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Anonymity in the Internet Age

I've been thinking a lot about Internet anonymity and cyber bullying lately and I decided that although this blog is primarily for book-related posts, as part of the billions of creative endeavors on the Internet, this blog is as good of a place as any to share my thoughts.

I've never experienced a great deal of cyber bullying, but I do know many people who have suffered because of it, and I know well that it is truly a serious problem. Obviously, if you are engaging in clear cyber bullying activities like threatening someone or sending hateful messages, please stop. You never know how much you could really hurt someone and no one deserves to feel hated and belittled.


(If you want a great book that will make you reconsider the effect that you have on other people, Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a great choice.)

But for those of you who don't do anything shockingly and obviously outrageous on the Internet, I want you to think seriously about this question: "how do I use anonymity on the Internet?" Anonymity isn't always bad, but there is a danger in feeling like we can escape the consequences of our actions. Even if no one bet knows that it was you (and it's hard to be sure that anything you do is truly anonymous) someone else may have to deal with the consequences of your insensitive or thoughtless words. It may seem to you that you are simply stating your opinion, but are you being less sensitive than you would be if everyone knew that it was you?

I'll end with a quote by David A. Bednar, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"We are disciples and our messages should be authentic. A person or product that is not authentic is false, fake, and fraudulent. Our messages should be truthful, honest, and accurate.  We should not exaggerate, embellish, or pretend to be someone or something we are not. Our content should be trustworthy and constructive. And anonymity on the Internet is not a license to be inauthentic.
Authenticity is strengthened through consistency. The gospel messages you share will be accepted more readily if your Christlike example is evident in the ongoing pattern of your posts."   
Until Next Time,

Rachel Duncan

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