@anonymous_123

The Good & Bad of Being Anonymous Online

Anonymity on the internet has its perks but it also has its downfalls. Being able to hide your identity completely online enables users to express their unfiltered thoughts and opinions. People can easily connect with others who have similar views. Sometimes people are hesitant to share their ideologies due to fear of judgment. With anonymity these people are able to talk to others who feel the same way. The downfall of being anonymous online is the increase in trolls, hackers, and bullies. Anyone can pretend to be anyone. Kids are especially vulnerable to bullying or being bullied online. Catfishing is also a side effect of being anonymous online. Many people have fallen in love via online dating sites and spent countless hours of their time with this person. On one hand, I feel bad for the person getting catfished because of the emotional damage and suffering they experience. On the other hand, I don't understand why anyone would put this much time and effort into someone they still don't know for sure is real. 

Ultimately, there are both positive and negative aspects to being anonymous online. You are able to easily connect with other like-minded people and stay hidden if you want. However, side effects such as cyber-bullying, lying, and hacking are more prone to occur with anonymity. Overall, we should be cautious when interacting with anyone we meet online. You never know who could be behind the fake profile and fake username.