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November 19, 2005
We the Media, Ch 8-10
"People I respect have told me we need to do away with anonymity on the Net." (180)
While I agree that anonymity can be a hazard (in ways Gillmor clearly points out Chapter 9) I just am unsure about getting rid of it completely. In general I am skeptical about giving out any info about myself on the net. It can be extremely dangerous. With all the identity theft and stalkers these days that are a result of getting information via online, I just am not sure it would always be in the best interest of a person to give away even just their name. The internet is a wonderful thing, but I think it definitely has potential for posing some serious security risks.
Posted by LorinSchumacher at November 19, 2005 10:41 PM
Comments
Good point. Transparency to the extent of giving out too much information over the net, even your name, could be risky. I don't know how you would get around it, unless you used a "pen name" that you used consistently.
Posted by: NancyGregg at November 20, 2005 10:13 PM
I think that is where discernment comes into play. There are obviously certain things you shouldn't disclose on the Web. However, I think that names, occupations (unless you're some kind of secret agent), etc are necessary public information that you should disclose and be honest about to give assurance.
Such things are available on public file anyway, so it's not like you're giving away your identity by telling your name. That's not to say you tell your whole criminal record just because it is on public file. So, I do agree that you should be selective of what you disclose.
Posted by: Evan at November 20, 2005 11:39 PM