Interwebs (EOC)

In a day when the entire developed world rests on a network of computers, there are many potential fears that come to mind. Identity theft, infrastructure damage, spying, viruses… the list goes on. The one major fear that I have, though, is the loss of people’s anonymity online in the future. Although this same anonymity is the source of virtually all online problems, it’s also the beauty of the Internet. Because of this anonymity we’re able to create virtually any identity we chose. While some choose to take advantage of this for ill will, others choose to use it as an opportunity to present a professional, thought-out, organized package to the rest of the world. We’re human and inherently flawed- that’s simply the nature of things- but the internet allows us to create a polished image to sell to whomever it is the user desires. Be it a business, an artist’s portfolio, or social networking, the degree of anonymity the internet affords people, when used responsibly, is not unlike putting on a nice suit for a job interview or dressing nice when you go out- it affords users the opportunity to “dress up” their image.

The anonymity also allows people who might otherwise not have been taken seriously in a live, public forum the chance to be heard. While a young, punk college student might not be taken seriously by his parent’s generation in person, the internet provides him with a place to be heard as a mature, respectable voice. The anonymity has allowed the otherwise voiceless to be heard and taken seriously.

While the internet’s notorious anonymity has caused problems and continues to do so, it is also one of the finest aspects of the internet. Although new developments will make the internet a safer place, losing that anonymity will change the internet and ultimately hinder its users.