Investigate the duality of online anonymity: a shield for privacy or a weapon for vulnerability? We unmask those who misuse it and their motives.
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24 Oct 2024
8 Min Read
Preevena Devi (Contributing Writer)
Investigate the duality of online anonymity: a shield for privacy or a weapon for vulnerability? We unmask those who misuse it and their motives.
Cyberbullying—we have encountered countless reports of it in the news, on social media, and in real life, followed by month-long media campaigns organised by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) aimed at addressing the issue. However, this does not change the fact that Malaysia ranks 6th in the world for cyberbullying among children, with 1 in 4 parents reporting that their child has experienced it, according to a survey by Ipsos.
When addressing cyberbullying, the initial preventative measures would often focus on restricting social media users and their agency on the platforms. These measures would include, but are not limited to, setting one's account to private, limiting the type of content one posts, or even withdrawing from the platforms altogether if one could not handle the hateful comments. Unfortunately, such restrictions inadvertently absolve perpetrators of their crimes, allowing them to target others through a shielded veil called anonymity.
Think of anonymity as a digital shadow lurking in the darkened depths of the Internet. Just as a shadow can fade into its surroundings, anonymity allows individuals to navigate the online landscape without revealing their true identities, achieved through mechanisms of pseudonyms and anonymous profiles. While anonymity carries a negative connotation in this context, we must recognise that there are also less extreme and more positive perspectives on its purpose:
In this day and age, where security breaches and data leaks have become the norm, anonymity may be the best safeguard for Internet users seeking to protect themselves from these threats. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 86% of Internet users have taken steps online to remove or mask their digital footprints. Among these users, 25% have posted comments without revealing who they are, while 18% have used a fake name or untraceable username. These non-malicious, precautionary strategies are adopted to avoid observation by hackers, advertisers, employers, and even the government.
A Tool for Freedom of Expression
From societal stigma to censorship laws, anonymity serves as a vital means of expression for whistleblowers, activists, and individuals living under repressive regimes. In such environments, where they may fear censorship, backlash, or worse, persecution, the ability to remain anonymous can mean the difference between speaking out and staying silent. It empowers voices that might otherwise go unheard, allowing them to advocate for change and bring attention to injustices without risking their safety.
By donning the cloak of anonymity, individuals who feel self-conscious or socially anxious in real life may gain the courage to express themselves through online behaviours, whether engaging in conversation or fostering meaningful relationships. Anonymity creates a safe space that reduces their vulnerability, empowering them to connect with others and develop essential social skills.
While some employ anonymity for self-expression, others exploit it for far less innocent intentions. The Internet has long been seen as a breeding ground for toxicity, with users responding more toxically and aggressively—even engaging in cyberbullying—when they are anonymous. Certain dark personality traits, such as sadism (the enjoyment of others' suffering), psychopathy (callousness and impulsivity), and Machiavellianism (the callous manipulation of others), are commonly cited as inciting such behaviours. Those exhibiting these traits are drawn to anonymous spaces where they can act on their toxic tendencies without fear of accountability.
Anonymity also facilitates toxic behaviours as follows:
(Online) anonymity affords an environment devoid of social cues, resulting in higher levels of deindividuation and lower levels of inhibition. On the one hand, deindividuation is a state in which one becomes so immersed in the norms of the group that one loses a sense of identity and personal responsibility. Inhibition, on the other hand, is the process of restraining one's impulses or behaviour—either consciously or unconsciously—due to fear of consequences. In the absence of social cues, particularly eye contact, perpetrators may feel less inhibited; not only do they not 'see' the pain they inflict, but they may also interpret events through their own lens, distorting the consequences of their actions (e.g., minimising, rationalising, or denying the impact or implications of their behaviour).
The Internet is like a playground where cyberbullies and other mean and demeaning personas run rampant, using rude language, harsh criticism, and intimidating threats—given one significant factor: the lack of accountability. Users can easily create anonymous accounts that can be deleted and replaced at will, rendering measures like muting, blocking, and reporting ineffective. Even when these accounts are reported, their anonymity complicates the process, as the information provided is often inaccurate or insufficient for tracing them. This lack of consequences not only emboldens perpetrators but also fosters a sense of helplessness in victims, further perpetuating the cycle of online toxicity.
The anonymity of online interactions often leads to a substantial reduction in empathy among users, exacerbating toxic behaviours. When individuals communicate behind a screen, they may feel detached from the emotional realities of their words and actions, making it easier to disregard the feelings of others. This disconnection can manifest as the bystander effect, where individuals witness online harassment or bullying but choose not to intervene or support the victims. This phenomenon occurs because the perceived anonymity of both the perpetrator and the observer creates a false sense of safety, leading to the belief that someone else will step in or that the situation is not serious enough to warrant action. As a result, this lack of empathy not only allows perpetrators to behave unchecked but also contributes to a culture of silence and inaction, further isolating victims.
In response to the toxicity that often accompanies anonymity, there exist several strategies designed to mitigate its harmful effects:
Built-in moderation features on platforms, such as reporting tools, user bans, and content removal, can help mitigate the impact of toxic behaviour. For example, Reddit's subreddits utilise a combination of appointed moderators and user-driven reports to maintain order. These moderators can issue warnings, delete posts, and suspend users who do not adhere to subreddit-specific rules, allowing communities to tailor their moderation approaches based on their unique cultures.
Peer enforcement also plays a crucial role, as users actively report or call out inappropriate behaviour, fostering a collective sense of accountability while promoting self-awareness and empathy. Platforms like Discord employ similar strategies, where server owners and moderators collaborate with the community to ensure that discussions remain constructive.
Many platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, incorporate built-in regulation features that allow users to block other users, bots, comments, content, or messages. For instance, Instagram has developed algorithms that identify and block newly created accounts belonging to previously blocked users, effectively curbing repeated harassment. Moreover, users can hide comments containing specific pre-set words or phrases, which helps prevent offensive language and abuse.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the implementation of AI flagging systems across various platforms. Twitter and YouTube have integrated these AI-driven systems that automatically detect and flag inappropriate or harmful content, including hate speech, explicit material, and other violations of community guidelines. These systems act swiftly, often removing flagged content before it gains traction, thereby reducing the potential for further harm.
Beyond moderation and regulation, tackling toxicity at its root requires cultivating a deep sense of empathy within online communities:
Perspective-taking refers to 'the ability to understand how a situation appears to another person and how that person is reacting cognitively and emotionally.' In simpler terms, it means stepping into someone else's shoes. A practical way to begin practising perspective-taking is by engaging in empathy-building exercises. For example, spending time with people outside your usual circles and asking about their lives, challenges, and views on various issues can offer fresh insights and strengthen your ability to connect with others.
We often hear about the benefits of reading, but did you know that reading fiction, in particular, helps develop empathy? This phenomenon, known as narrative empathy, refers to 'the sharing of feeling and perspective-taking induced by reading, viewing, hearing, or imagining narratives of another's situation and condition.' In an era where our attention is frequently divided, reading allows us to slow down and engage deeply with diverse experiences, expanding our understanding of others. But if reading is not your preference, films can also provide a similar emotional and cognitive engagement.
Curiosity plays a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and cultivating empathy. By actively seeking to understand the experiences and viewpoints of others, we open ourselves to a broader understanding of the world. Challenging our assumptions and biases leads to a more genuine emotional connection, allowing us to appreciate the complexities of diverse lives. This curiosity not only enhances empathy but also builds a stronger, more compassionate community—one where understanding replaces judgment, and connection replaces division.
Anonymity on the Internet is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. On one hand, it protects privacy, supports freedom of expression, and provides a safe space for vulnerable individuals. On the other hand, it can also be misused to fuel toxic behaviours like cyberbullying. The challenge, then, lies in finding balance—creating an online environment where users can express themselves without fear of harassment while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Achieving this requires not just moderation and regulatory measures but also a cultural shift towards empathy. By combining technological solutions with genuine human connection, we can shine a light on the dark side of anonymity, transforming the digital landscape into a positive and supportive space where every voice is heard and valued.
Preevena Devi pursued Cambridge A Level at Taylor's College before attending Monash University. She is a biomedical science student, a passionate feminist, and a firm believer in the transformative power of the written word to change the world!