Hiding behind our computer screens

At the tap of a mouse and behind the screens of our computers lies a parallel universe where everything is fair game. A place where in knowing that their identity is protected, individuals find a bolder sense of self and ability to speak their mind; a place commonly known as the Internet. As the co-creator of an opinion-based blog, it wasn’t until recently that the subject of anonymity raised such curiosity as a vital issue in communication. The difference in context and attitudes changes drastically when authors find themselves able to hide behind a pseudonym and say things they would not otherwise say in person. Via the Internet, we find that it is easier to speak more boldly than if face-to-face with our audience. While the significance of this issue has an effect on the general genre of media, in light of modern times and the core subject of this class, I chose to focus on the effect of anonymity on behavior in online communication and journalism. In a nutshell, what makes writers more bold and brave in what they write when they know that their identity is protected? And more importantly, when is this privileged freedom of speech without responsibility taken too far?

This is how I began a paper I wrote last year for my journalism class about the effect of anonymity and identity on online journalism and communication. While the paper was geared towards the class topic of journalism, I emphasized how the veil of our computer screens has allowed people to express themselves in ways that may or may not be appropriate in the real world. By providing a virtual world and an opportunity to use a fake name, we have opened the door to endless possibilities of behavior, both negatively and positively.

As you can see, I couldn't have been more excited when approaching this subject this week...as geeky as that sounds, it's true. As a psychology minor in my undergraduate studies, I find myself fascinated with the way the mind works and the mediums that our outside world provide for it's manifestation. 

This week, we read Sherry Turkle's article on "Cyberspace and Identity", an article dubbed "outdated", yet in my view, is still applicable in respect to the subject. Her article focused on impact of the internet on identity and persona. Turkle discussed how the internet allows for role playing, multiple personas, and virtual lives. The word virtual life is now synonymous with the program "Second Life", a popular online program that allows people to literally live a second life in a virtual world. They build both physical avatars and personality features and engage with other users in work, personal relationships and friendships, and even sexual relationships. 

It has given people a second chance. 

And a third chance. 

And a fourth chance. 

And as many chances as a person wants for themselves in an endless virtual world that allows it and provides infinite possibilities. 

Turkle noted that "some feel an uncomfortable sense of fragmentation, some a sense of relief. Some sense the possibilities for self-discovery." Through community forums, knowledge cultures, blogging, chatting, etc. individuals are free to express themselves, change themselves, re-build themselves, or even "'act out' unresolved conflicts" in their identity on the internet, as explained by Turkle. 

Online, an introverted individual can become an extrovert and the most popular character, or even find more comfort in expressing themselves and engaging in conversation with others (as used in dating websites). In contrast, an extrovert can find solace in being alone as they surf the net and navigate through the virtual world, or utilize blogging as an online diary of sort to share deeper characteristics. Physical images can be changed with an avatar. Everything that you like or dislike in the real world can be changed with a touch of a button.

My paper argued that the use of anonymity on the internet provides a vehicle of emotions and expressions that they would shy away from in real life, either due to their personality or whether or not is culturally acceptable. The invention of the Internet gave human nature a shield to all that is unacceptable in real life, it gave them the opportunity to speak their mind and even change their personality without fear of retribution or judgement. Protected identity provides the liberation to speak freely without fear of consequences; a concept Turkle agrees with in her explanation of persona experimentation in a consequence-free environment. 

But is it really consequence-free?

Do our actions in the virtual world have any reflections in the real world? Of course. We discussed before how social networks have drastically changed our lives. As Clay Shirky said in his book, Here Comes Everybody, "When we change the way we communicate, we change society" ...and not just online.

From a personal level to political levels, our actions behind our computer screens resonate in the real world. Bloggers have been tried for political treason, even those with pseudonyms. Relationships are make and break online using dating websites, social networks, and even Second Life. There have been reports of divorces caused by adultery on Second Life, but infidelity on Facebook, etc. Our friendships are changed in real life with the click of a "de-friend" button. 

I could go on forever about the topic of the psychological effects of the internet on human personalities. As technology grows more and more a part of our lives, the way we communicate and function as a society changes as well. 

The internet has allowed us to live parallel lives, what is important to consider is how we utilize the tools it gives us and how it changes us as individuals, and as societies.