The internet and anonymity

Anonymity in my opinion breeds skepticism, because people generaly except the opinion of someone with credentials(identity) on a given subject. It would be why IndigoSensor's opinion would hold more value in a discusion of chemistry. The question is how do we prove our credentials on the internet, IndigoSensor told us he is chemistry student but how can he prove that he is who he says he is. seeing as it's possible to forge just about any evidence possibly shown over the internet.

With this lack of certainty we begin to doubt opinions other then our own, because we are the only one we can trust to be who we say we are on the internet. We only trust our own opinions.

And so instead of having a level playing field, we get rid of the field all together.

 

Recognition damages content. "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls..."

 

There is no complete anonymity on the internet. There is always some trail of numbers, addressees, used resources that leads back to the person who wrote something on the web.

But presuming that people in groups like this one have some form of anonymity, then I'd say that it's better this way. You have an option of saying whatever you want, seeing responses to your opinion that are to some extent free from prejudices of various kinds, and learning and expanding your horizons by reading opinions of others.

Saying something and having your name under it is completely different category because that implies that you are responsible for your thoughts and that you are willing to be the subject of criticism by your peers.

 

True. Being anonymous signals that your views are truly one of many in the marketplace of ideas, and they can be considered equally - discussed and debated without the added privilege of position, credentials, or authority. But, at the same time, on some subjects, not all opinions or views presented are or should necessarily be readily accepted. Someone can have good insight on a subject, but expert opinion from someone who is more knowledgeable on a subject should sometimes, not always, have a little more weight.

I could be wrong . . .