There is a lot of debate over the topic of anonymity and the internet. Our group
cited variety of reason why anonymity is a concern. Obviously it is hard to find a criminal
acting under an alias or going completely anonymous. Furthermore, it is much easier to
provide and participate it hateful messages, which are often racist or discriminating. An
anonymous user can do this without fear of repercussions, and gain support behind a
morally disturbing cause.
The majority of people probably don’t support such things, so why not a shift to no
more anonymous internet related activities? First off, it would be an extremely long and
painful process. Just to come to an agreement that such an act would not infringe on
freedom of speech principles would take forever. Also, to sift through the entire internet
searching and regulating anonymous websites and users would seem to be impossible. All
these processes would cost money, so would taxpayers really support a government
program keeping tabs on the internet use. All the previously stated reasons are why our
group doesn’t believe a shift to no anonymity will come anytime soon.
The anonymous aspects of the internet have positive effects that may outweigh the
negative ones. For instance the right to be anonymous is a tremendous freedom we have.
Many countries do not have such privileges, and it is up to every person’s moral standards
on how they want to use it. It would be a shame if we took away one of our freedoms
because we’re nervous our peers would abuse it. Anonymous reviews of books and
products are a great addition to the internet too. Our group all uses these to help their
purchase decisions. Ultimately, our group does not think anonymous aspects of the
internet should be eliminated.
On a personal level, I tend to agree with what our group consensus was. I do not
think the country will move toward no anonymity on the internet and I don’t think it should.
I think the internet should be very similar to the real world. For example, if someone
was to graffiti something hateful on a building, it would be anonymous. Also it would
be very hard to track down this hypothetical anonymous criminal. It’s very similar
to hate speech on the internet. It is very difficult to catch the criminals and the
hateful individuals, but it is similar to the real world. Most people do not like when these
things happen but people need to decide if the negatives outweigh the positives. If we
eliminate anonymity then all the freedoms and benefits leave as well. If people can
educate one another and police themselves all the negatives can turn into positives.
That’s why I am for anonymity on the internet.
The one thing I would advocate for would be set standards for dangerous or crude
websites. Therefore, parents could block these site easily. Also if questionable websites all
contained digression notices like a gambling or pornographic website have (ie. Do not
enter unless 18 years of age) it would help children, who might be un-expecting victims
of the bad things anonymity brings. I would suggest that all elementary and middle schools
make it mandatory to have Internet safety and navigation courses. I think education is the
key to helping people understand how to avoid the negatives and create the positives. These
are the changed we should be making no infringing on our freedom of speech
and the great freedoms we have relating to the internet.