Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ The Real Name Fallacy

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

Good article that challenges the idea that anonymity is the cause of poor behaviour on social networks (and that things would improve if we required people to use their real names). " the balance of experimental evidence over the past thirty years suggests that this is not the case. Not only would removing anonymity fail to consistently improve online community behavior – forcing real names in online communities could also increase discrimination and worsen harassment." So if it doesn't actually help, why do so many pundits call for an end to anonymity? "This provided the justification for more advanced advertising-based business models to develop, which collect more of people's personal information in the name of reducing online harm." Via Ben Werdmuller.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Apr 19, 2024 4:02 p.m.

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