Effects of anonymity

Firstly, cudos and appreciation to John for this fascinating forum!

In response to his comment about the "lack of face-to-face contact" oftimes resulting in more honest and direct communication, I believe it more may be a function of the anonymity enjoyed in online communication which I have observed result in soul-baring honesty and, at times, quite accurate and beneficial therapeutic self-analysis by each participant. While I whole-heartedly agree that communication at many levels is hindered greatly by the lack of visual, tonal and other non-verbal/non-written cues between communicators, simultaneously I believe it to be that very lack of extraneous information which enhances the depth at which some online communications occur. My personal seat-of-the-pants (or seat-by-the-keyboard :)) hypothesis is that the lack of these other cues precludes the formation of each party's often erroneous and frequently communication-blocking generalizations and prejudgments regarding the other party and that party's suitability as a sympathetic, supportive audience to which one may bare one's inner self.

If such soul-baring occurred without the development of intense NON-anonymous relationships later between some parties, I would be tempted to think the honesty simply was a function solely of the "you-dont-know-who-I-am-so-it- doesnt-matter-what-I-tell-you" initial attitude of anonymity. However, since I have witnessed so many quite life-altering relationships germinate and blossom out of an on-line environment, I am struck by the basic need of most to be recognized and accepted for their uniquely individual self. My apologies for the verbosity. I look forward to any feedback on these hypotheses.

Replies:

I prefer anonymity., by Sue, 7/7/97 effects of anonymity, by John Suler, 7/8/97

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