Comments on: The Perils of the Anonymous User http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user Tech News, Reviews and Guides Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:43:27 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Dean http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158884 Dean Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:42 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158884 My blog's name is Dean Lozarie. My URL is http://deanlozarie.wordpress.com. My real name? Yep, you guessed it. =) My blog’s name is Dean Lozarie. My URL is http://deanlozarie.wordpress.com. My real name? Yep, you guessed it. =)

]]> By: Rosano http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158819 Rosano Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:39:05 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158819 Having user accounts is currently the best way for people to put a reputation behind a user, or you could do a hybrid solution like Wikipedia, but that's kind of messy. The choice between anonymity and registered users will likely diminish after OpenSocial and OpenID become more mainstream. To help this along, all web apps should definitely support standards like OpenID and DataPortability from the get go, because it will help speed up the use of these technologies by the users, which will eventually help all app creators to resolve the initial "perils of the Anonymous user". My online identity is very strong, because I want to create a reputation for myself on the web. Having user accounts is currently the best way for people to put a reputation behind a user, or you could do a hybrid solution like Wikipedia, but that’s kind of messy.

The choice between anonymity and registered users will likely diminish after OpenSocial and OpenID become more mainstream. To help this along, all web apps should definitely support standards like OpenID and DataPortability from the get go, because it will help speed up the use of these technologies by the users, which will eventually help all app creators to resolve the initial “perils of the Anonymous user”.

My online identity is very strong, because I want to create a reputation for myself on the web.

]]> By: Simon http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158575 Simon Sat, 05 Apr 2008 13:15:56 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-158575 I wrote a paper on this very issue a few months ago although I focused more upon the negative social impacts that posting as anonymous poses to the online community. Namely when you have no identity you have limited repercussions for your actions and many people tend to do things that they would never dream of doing had they used their online indent or real world name. It a subject I am very interested in and am going to be researching as a big part of my masters and PhD. I wrote a paper on this very issue a few months ago although I focused more upon the negative social impacts that posting as anonymous poses to the online community. Namely when you have no identity you have limited repercussions for your actions and many people tend to do things that they would never dream of doing had they used their online indent or real world name. It a subject I am very interested in and am going to be researching as a big part of my masters and PhD.

]]> By: darek http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157888 darek Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:00:03 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157888 I remember suggesting something on Skribit anonymously a while back. Maybe one of the problems is that there's not much incentive to sign up. When posting a suggestion, there's only some small text on the final submission page that most people will ignore because it basically says "extra steps". If I wanted the widget on my own blog, for example, then I would take the extra time to sign up. I remember suggesting something on Skribit anonymously a while back. Maybe one of the problems is that there’s not much incentive to sign up. When posting a suggestion, there’s only some small text on the final submission page that most people will ignore because it basically says “extra steps”.

If I wanted the widget on my own blog, for example, then I would take the extra time to sign up.

]]> By: zanshin.net » Anonymity Breeds Contempt » Blog Archive http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157872 zanshin.net » Anonymity Breeds Contempt » Blog Archive Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:02:09 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157872 [...] bad that can result. Paul Stamatiou, a computational media senior at Georgia Tech, talked about the perils of anonymous users in social networks. He lists a couple of pros and cons: Pros: No barriers to entry. If someone [...] [...] bad that can result. Paul Stamatiou, a computational media senior at Georgia Tech, talked about the perils of anonymous users in social networks. He lists a couple of pros and cons: Pros: No barriers to entry. If someone [...]

]]> By: Alan Sawula http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157870 Alan Sawula Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:08:54 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157870 I posted anonymously to skribit after having login issues(forgetting a password and the password retrieval was temporarily unresponsive), and after you wrote a post in response to it, I've experienced first hand the perils of the anonymous user, not being able to track or stay connected to my idea/suggestion. While it was a one time case and I don't blame anyone but myself, i think i was still able to add value to skribit with the anonymous post. I posted anonymously to skribit after having login issues(forgetting a password and the password retrieval was temporarily unresponsive), and after you wrote a post in response to it, I’ve experienced first hand the perils of the anonymous user, not being able to track or stay connected to my idea/suggestion. While it was a one time case and I don’t blame anyone but myself, i think i was still able to add value to skribit with the anonymous post.

]]> By: Nai Alastair http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157855 Nai Alastair Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:06:58 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157855 That's something social communities have to deal with, in my opinion. From the users' point of view, they simply want to be given the privilege and the power to decide on matters pertaining their personal information, when interacting in online communities. Its very important to understand that the risks from excessive exposure of personal information online are real, and some users are simply reacting to that very notion. That’s something social communities have to deal with, in my opinion. From the users’ point of view, they simply want to be given the privilege and the power to decide on matters pertaining their personal information, when interacting in online communities. Its very important to understand that the risks from excessive exposure of personal information online are real, and some users are simply reacting to that very notion.

]]> By: Ryan http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157844 Ryan Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:58:07 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157844 If you haven't noticed, a large percentage of society is "corrupt". Are you suggesting for a "young" individual (age 17 and younger) to supply a large/medium amount of personal information in an online presence? Even if just using your a full name in a blog such as here. - To find more information, what does it take? A little goggling and a few searches on social-networking related sites, flickr, etc.. ? If you haven’t noticed, a large percentage of society is “corrupt”. Are you suggesting for a “young” individual (age 17 and younger) to supply a large/medium amount of personal information in an online presence? Even if just using your a full name in a blog such as here. – To find more information, what does it take? A little goggling and a few searches on social-networking related sites, flickr, etc.. ?

]]> By: James Cassell http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157834 James Cassell Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:45:25 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157834 I'm definitely in favor of OpenID; it is very annoying to have to sign-up at each site where I want to post something, or use a service. And, yes, those question marks on Facebook profiles are quite annoying. (Unrelated: I really like their new "you may know these people" feature.) I’m definitely in favor of OpenID; it is very annoying to have to sign-up at each site where I want to post something, or use a service.

And, yes, those question marks on Facebook profiles are quite annoying. (Unrelated: I really like their new “you may know these people” feature.)

]]> By: Brendan Falkowski http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157819 Brendan Falkowski Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:46:41 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157819 There are times when I want to comment in a forum, but won't because of forced registration. A person should identify themselves if they want to contribute though. There are times when I want to comment in a forum, but won’t because of forced registration. A person should identify themselves if they want to contribute though.

]]> By: syia http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157812 syia Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:50:54 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157812 for me I think, there's nothing to be afraid..posting real name or any personal information as long as that information I will share with people OFFLINE so what's the different sharing it ONLINE? for me I think, there’s nothing to be afraid..posting real name or any personal information as long as that information I will share with people OFFLINE so what’s the different sharing it ONLINE?

]]> By: Phil Bowell http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157804 Phil Bowell Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:22:08 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157804 You make some interesting points Paul and whilst to a certain extent I agree I will add something to the debate. I'm one of those anonymous Skribit users (one of the S3 posts in your screenshot) the reason I didn't sign up when I posted the idea was because it wasn't clear what I was signing upto. I assumed I would be signing my blog up for people to make suggestions to via Skribit, not signing up for an account to make a suggestion. I think quite often people signup to something out of curiosity, to see what the service is and how they can use it so initially they don't commit information. Once the service is trusted and it's clear what its for and how they will use it, then they commit. You make some interesting points Paul and whilst to a certain extent I agree I will add something to the debate.

I’m one of those anonymous Skribit users (one of the S3 posts in your screenshot) the reason I didn’t sign up when I posted the idea was because it wasn’t clear what I was signing upto. I assumed I would be signing my blog up for people to make suggestions to via Skribit, not signing up for an account to make a suggestion.

I think quite often people signup to something out of curiosity, to see what the service is and how they can use it so initially they don’t commit information. Once the service is trusted and it’s clear what its for and how they will use it, then they commit.

]]> By: Mafuf http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157801 Mafuf Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:38:00 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157801 Personifying yourself on the web in order to meet other people is a great idea, open, honest, upright etc. Such a pity thought that the media upon which you do this doesn't give a cats fidle about your integrity and will use the data to make money and achieve power in the current "social network" race. Drawn in by friendlyness and nice comments you are actually selling your perosnality to the likes of the Googles and facebooks.... people whom are just interested in the big bucks and add "social" as a bait. I will be able to find anything on everybody and so will lots of others, now and in the future where you hae actually forgotten all about it. You are the ones loosing out in this big WWW-2.0 facade. Personifying yourself on the web in order to meet other people is a great idea, open, honest, upright etc. Such a pity thought that the media upon which you do this doesn’t give a cats fidle about your integrity and will use the data to make money and achieve power in the current “social network” race. Drawn in by friendlyness and nice comments you are actually selling your perosnality to the likes of the Googles and facebooks…. people whom are just interested in the big bucks and add “social” as a bait.
I will be able to find anything on everybody and so will lots of others, now and in the future where you hae actually forgotten all about it. You are the ones loosing out in this big WWW-2.0 facade.

]]> By: Jane Fromer http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157791 Jane Fromer Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:48:42 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157791 I agree with you Paul, one is more likely to interact with people online if they have an established identity. Anonymous users rarely ever feel engaged or part of the community. However, a lot of people have been trained to be "scared of the internet", in fear of their entire identify being stolen. So I understand if they don't want to use their real information. This is why I have created an online pseudonym for myself. Even though I don't particularly fear my identity being stolen (pretty much anyone smart enough could figure out my real name) I use the pseudonym to separate my public life from my private life. And even though the two overlap, it makes me feel better to know they have the ability to be distinct. I agree with you Paul, one is more likely to interact with people online if they have an established identity. Anonymous users rarely ever feel engaged or part of the community. However, a lot of people have been trained to be “scared of the internet”, in fear of their entire identify being stolen. So I understand if they don’t want to use their real information.

This is why I have created an online pseudonym for myself. Even though I don’t particularly fear my identity being stolen (pretty much anyone smart enough could figure out my real name) I use the pseudonym to separate my public life from my private life. And even though the two overlap, it makes me feel better to know they have the ability to be distinct.

]]> By: phossil http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157790 phossil Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:25:03 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157790 It would be an Utopia.... It is so difficult to get (and to give) your real name in the web (you already said 'cause identity and for security reasons) and you become a fish easy to catch for spammers and advertisers. Its more easy to stay with a low profile and giving your "alias" as a name, also much cooler, but i rather prefer giving my username than my full name or the so temible anonymous user when interacting... It would be an Utopia….
It is so difficult to get (and to give) your real name in the web (you already said ’cause identity and for security reasons) and you become a fish easy to catch for spammers and advertisers.

Its more easy to stay with a low profile and giving your “alias” as a name, also much cooler, but i rather prefer giving my username than my full name or the so temible anonymous user when interacting…

]]> By: Anonymous http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157776 Anonymous Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:50:37 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157776 Quid pro quo, Paul? You're very interested in Web 2.0 and social networking-type sites. By extending yourself into a website, what does it offer? Likely a more defined demograph for advertisers? If your thoughts have merit, they will likely be valued on their own, not because of a (possibly fabricated) online reputation. Quid pro quo, Paul? You’re very interested in Web 2.0 and social networking-type sites. By extending yourself into a website, what does it offer? Likely a more defined demograph for advertisers? If your thoughts have merit, they will likely be valued on their own, not because of a (possibly fabricated) online reputation.

]]> By: Rolly http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157772 Rolly Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:48:21 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157772 Which is the lesser of the "two evils", the genuinely anonymous or the fabricated profile? Which is the lesser of the “two evils”, the genuinely anonymous or the fabricated profile?

]]> By: Tom http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157769 Tom Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:54:54 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157769 I'm one of those guys that tends to err on the side of more privacy; however, I also have no problem giving out basic information about myself. My rule of thumb is this: If [any given piece of information] is something I would willingly tell someone in public (stranger or not), then it's fair game online. With that said, I tend to agree with your thoughts on anonymous users not contributing any value. One of the main reasons, in my opinion, is that they are contributing less value because they don't seem 'real.' As you've mentioned, there's no basic biographic information - not even a name. I'm much more likely to value someone's thoughts, regardless of if I actually agree with them, if I can match these thoughts to a seemingly real person with a name and a personality. In person, we like to match a face with a name. Perhaps online, we like to match thoughts and opinions with a name. I’m one of those guys that tends to err on the side of more privacy; however, I also have no problem giving out basic information about myself. My rule of thumb is this: If [any given piece of information] is something I would willingly tell someone in public (stranger or not), then it’s fair game online.

With that said, I tend to agree with your thoughts on anonymous users not contributing any value. One of the main reasons, in my opinion, is that they are contributing less value because they don’t seem ‘real.’ As you’ve mentioned, there’s no basic biographic information – not even a name.

I’m much more likely to value someone’s thoughts, regardless of if I actually agree with them, if I can match these thoughts to a seemingly real person with a name and a personality.

In person, we like to match a face with a name. Perhaps online, we like to match thoughts and opinions with a name.

]]> By: Ashley Baxter http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157767 Ashley Baxter Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:58:03 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157767 Interesting post, Paul. I am very open about my life on the internet, whether that's through pictures from Flickr, status updates on Twitter, or even posts from my blog; I have a lot of personal information floating around that anyone can access. This doesn't bother me in the slightest. Obviously, if it did, I could easily change this considering I am the person in control as to how much information is displayed about me. The only time I've felt remotely uncomfortable was when I received a message from someone I didn't know, rather scarily pointing out the fact they could figure out where I lived from my pictures on Flickr... Er, yeah. In regards to anonymous users, I can't say I'm a part of any online communities where this is a huge problem. But I do wonder what the point in 'participating' and setting up an online profile is if you're going to feel uneasy to the extent you won't divulge any personal information, not even a name, there. Interesting post, Paul. I am very open about my life on the internet, whether that’s through pictures from Flickr, status updates on Twitter, or even posts from my blog; I have a lot of personal information floating around that anyone can access. This doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Obviously, if it did, I could easily change this considering I am the person in control as to how much information is displayed about me. The only time I’ve felt remotely uncomfortable was when I received a message from someone I didn’t know, rather scarily pointing out the fact they could figure out where I lived from my pictures on Flickr… Er, yeah. In regards to anonymous users, I can’t say I’m a part of any online communities where this is a huge problem. But I do wonder what the point in ‘participating’ and setting up an online profile is if you’re going to feel uneasy to the extent you won’t divulge any personal information, not even a name, there.

]]> By: Anton Lindstrom http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157766 Anton Lindstrom Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:49:35 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157766 The problem I see is that you have to register for every webapp and site, this might become a security issue (easier passwords for easier remembrance) and just a lazy thing. It would certainly be easier if more webapps and sites supported OpenID so it would be easier to use your profile. You can make and edit one profilepage instead of changing a hundred different. The problem I see is that you have to register for every webapp and site, this might become a security issue (easier passwords for easier remembrance) and just a lazy thing. It would certainly be easier if more webapps and sites supported OpenID so it would be easier to use your profile. You can make and edit one profilepage instead of changing a hundred different.

]]> By: Aron Clark http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157765 Aron Clark Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:23:46 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157765 I dunno.. I think I'm slightly steering towards banning anonymity on Skribit-type sites altogether. I mean, I know people deserve their privacy but theres not really a lot people can do with just your name. Even so, if people are that paranoid, why not make a web nickname that everyone can recognize you by, and also, how about a blurry or cartoon-style avatar? Thats what I do on some sites I feel a bit weary about. I think that the majority of people will find it quite hard to find a picture of my face publicly available online (but thats purely because of an incident regarding some immature school students at my old school, MS Paint and Bebo :D), and I obviously know what its like to have the p**s taken out of you online for no apparent reason and can understand why people might not want to upload real pictures of themselves. But give all your web accounts a unique nickname and a consistent avatar, and they have a web presence. Not hard really. I dunno.. I think I’m slightly steering towards banning anonymity on Skribit-type sites altogether. I mean, I know people deserve their privacy but theres not really a lot people can do with just your name. Even so, if people are that paranoid, why not make a web nickname that everyone can recognize you by, and also, how about a blurry or cartoon-style avatar? Thats what I do on some sites I feel a bit weary about.

I think that the majority of people will find it quite hard to find a picture of my face publicly available online (but thats purely because of an incident regarding some immature school students at my old school, MS Paint and Bebo :D), and I obviously know what its like to have the p**s taken out of you online for no apparent reason and can understand why people might not want to upload real pictures of themselves. But give all your web accounts a unique nickname and a consistent avatar, and they have a web presence. Not hard really.

]]> By: Paul Stamatiou http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157764 Paul Stamatiou Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:02:58 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157764 @Matt - Sorry for not being clear. That sentence means that the people without the online identity appear less personable to the other users.. not that they are less personable. Do you see what I was going for? Without the identity how is the rest of the community supposed to know what you're like? @Matt – Sorry for not being clear. That sentence means that the people without the online identity appear less personable to the other users.. not that they are less personable. Do you see what I was going for? Without the identity how is the rest of the community supposed to know what you’re like?

]]> By: Matt http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157763 Matt Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:00:19 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157763 "People that don’t hold an identity online or on a certain social web app are inherently less personable to other users." I completely disagree with that. Some people just don't have time to fully commit themselves to an online community. They may be very interested in that subject and enjoy learning about it but just don't have time to contribute in a noticeable way. The amount that someone contributes to an online community does not necessarily say something about how personable they are. “People that don’t hold an identity online or on a certain social web app are inherently less personable to other users.”

I completely disagree with that. Some people just don’t have time to fully commit themselves to an online community. They may be very interested in that subject and enjoy learning about it but just don’t have time to contribute in a noticeable way. The amount that someone contributes to an online community does not necessarily say something about how personable they are.

]]> By: Mike Oldham http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157761 Mike Oldham Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:46:12 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157761 I have to agree that that I'm a fan of OpenId. You don't have to spend any time registering for a site. You can jump in and post a quick comment and not worry about it. If you ever do decide to revisit the website, you login with your openid again and your history is still there. I have to agree that that I’m a fan of OpenId. You don’t have to spend any time registering for a site. You can jump in and post a quick comment and not worry about it. If you ever do decide to revisit the website, you login with your openid again and your history is still there.

]]> By: MIT PhD student http://paulstamatiou.com/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157760 MIT PhD student Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:25:57 +0000 http://paulstamatiou.com/2008/03/25/the-perils-of-the-anonymous-user#comment-157760 Paul, I find your article very relevant, as I've tackled the anonymity question recently. I'm an MIT grad student, and I just started a blog about the MIT experience. I'm choosing to stay 'anonymous' for two reasons: (i) I will be writing about stuff that happens around me, which may not always be well received by my friends, and (ii) I'm not sure what long-term impact my comments will have. Maybe after a while I'll find it's no big deal. I use my real name and picture on Facebook anyway. But for now, I prefer using a pseudonym for blogs. I'll use the same name and email address everywhere I post comments, so people can consistently associate those comments with the same person. They just won't know my real name ... Very good post, by the way. Paul, I find your article very relevant, as I’ve tackled the anonymity question recently. I’m an MIT grad student, and I just started a blog about the MIT experience. I’m choosing to stay ‘anonymous’ for two reasons: (i) I will be writing about stuff that happens around me, which may not always be well received by my friends, and (ii) I’m not sure what long-term impact my comments will have.

Maybe after a while I’ll find it’s no big deal. I use my real name and picture on Facebook anyway. But for now, I prefer using a pseudonym for blogs. I’ll use the same name and email address everywhere I post comments, so people can consistently associate those comments with the same person. They just won’t know my real name …

Very good post, by the way.

]]>