> When you use your real identity you behave in a way that you will stand behind. Anonymity goads you into acting in a way that you might feel embarrassed about

> When you use your real identity you behave in a way that you will stand behind. Anonymity goads you into acting in a way that you might feel embarrassed about or regret. People use/present different 'selves' to different people all the time, even without using pseudonymous identities. It's a core part of navigating life. Online pseudonymous handles help facilitate more separation between contexts but it doesn't (necessarily) mean people change their integrity (I certainly don't). There's a useful critique[1] of Mark Zuckerberg's 2010 quote that proclaimed there should only be a single identity for everyone. An excerpt that summarizes the piece: > Individuals are constantly managing and restricting flows of information based on the context they are in, switching between identities and persona. I present myself differently when I’m lecturing in the classroom compared to when I’m have a beer with friends [...] This is how we navigate the multiple and increasingly complex spheres of our lives. It is not that you pretend to be someone that you are not; rather, you turn the volume up on some aspects of your identity, and tone down others, all based on the particular context you find yourself. Also this cross-linked piece[2] by a teacher which brings up similar points. [1] https://michaelzimmer.org/2010/05/14/facebooks-zuckerberg-having-two-identities-for-yourself-is-an-example-of-a-lack-of-integrity/ https://michaelzimmer.org/2010/05/14/facebooks-zuckerberg-ha... [2] https://crookedtimber.org/2010/05/14/an-internet-where-everyone-knows-youre-a-dog/ https://crookedtimber.org/2010/05/14/an-internet-where-every...