'Being' vs. 'Feeling' Anonymous
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Jess
This discussion centres on the Kennedy (2006) reading about the difference between 'being' and 'feeling' anonymous while online. As I see it, there is a distinct difference between 'being' and 'feeling' anonymous.
In my understanding of the concept, being' anonymous is where one goes about their business online by actually remaining anonymous; by not posting one's actual name, photos of themselves or any other details which may give away who they are. 'Feeling' anonymous, on the other hand, is when one may still post their real name online but still feel anonymous while on the internet.
On social networking sites, there are fewer and fewer users who actually remain anonymous; they post photos of themselves on their profile, display their full name and where they are from. Even when there are people using the same social networking sites with the same name as you, it is hard to feel anonymous when your photos and hometown and friends are displayed for everyone to see.
However, feeling anonymous can come into play in some areas online, such as virtual worlds. Even displaying your name can leave you feeling anonymous because you can change your appearance via avatars and keep your true appearance and even personality hidden.
Kennedy's (2006) concept is very interesting and I can see how it plays out on the internet. However, in social networking sites feeling anonymous is much harder than it is in such areas as virtual worlds and gaming online.
In my understanding of the concept, being' anonymous is where one goes about their business online by actually remaining anonymous; by not posting one's actual name, photos of themselves or any other details which may give away who they are. 'Feeling' anonymous, on the other hand, is when one may still post their real name online but still feel anonymous while on the internet.
On social networking sites, there are fewer and fewer users who actually remain anonymous; they post photos of themselves on their profile, display their full name and where they are from. Even when there are people using the same social networking sites with the same name as you, it is hard to feel anonymous when your photos and hometown and friends are displayed for everyone to see.
However, feeling anonymous can come into play in some areas online, such as virtual worlds. Even displaying your name can leave you feeling anonymous because you can change your appearance via avatars and keep your true appearance and even personality hidden.
Kennedy's (2006) concept is very interesting and I can see how it plays out on the internet. However, in social networking sites feeling anonymous is much harder than it is in such areas as virtual worlds and gaming online.