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"I like that you" is already references to two identities. You as yourself, and I, who did something you liked. Maybe you don't consider this exchange anonymous
by unabst 11y ago
"I like that you" is already references to two identities. You as yourself, and I, who did something you liked. Maybe you don't consider this exchange anonymous, but when we have conversations, we instinctively associate something which, however slight, is still shaped by what was said, and this becomes part of the collage associated with the source.
Identity is mostly shaped by reputation and by impression, both of which are not in our full control, and both of which just happen. So there isn't anything to believe. Identity is already part of every message, and the lack of identity is already consequential, unless one deliberately dismisses those consequences. At this point, anonymous exchanges require skill, and this is a new skill that, for example, my parents would not ever be comfortable with. The idea that "no one is talking" is new and quite novel actually. And has only become possible at large scales (as communities) with the internet.