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Teen anonymity online: Good or bad?

Teen anonymity online

There are many teens who like to have an anonymous email or identity online. This gives them a sense of liberty and candor when going about online as they tend to enjoy this virtual time where there are no restrictions implied on them. Anyone can easily create a surreptitious profile using email or social networking providers. But is keeping this unidentified moniker a good thing? There has been a lot of debate about this issue and a number of people are not in favor of online anonymity, but at the same time there are supporters of freedom of speech who think that online independence should not be curbed. It allows teens to explore sensitive topics without the fear of embarrassment.

Anonymity online, great gift in terms of exploration

1. Teens find online anonymity protective as it allows them to express their ideas freely or try new things without feeling a hitch. They might shy away in the real world to talk about certain things, feel a desire to break free from their mundane routine or could experience the need to acquire information that is difficult to access in the real world. In situations like this, having an online identity is a huge plus. You can find out or do things that would otherwise make you feel bashful in the real world.

2. Anonymity can be a great thing when you want to talk about sensitive issues. You present your views with regards to an ongoing political situation, cultural barriers, race differences, ethnic diversity, sexuality, etc. Remember, that you can even today send out a letter to the newspaper without revealing your true identity. It helps you to speak out without the fear of some getting back at you. Also, if you are wrong about the stance taken on any sensitive topic, you do not have to live with the mistake all your life. Thus, staying obscure online helps one safeguard their repute, character and standing even if they are wrong or make a slip-up.

Virtual anonymous life is not all that safe

1. Teens do not always have a good understanding of things out there in the world, and can be unaware about the pitfalls of going about furtively online. There are hackers, stalkers and many other cyber criminals online who victimize people. Targeting clandestine identities is a lot easier as such people are less likely to protest, because of the very fact that they are trying to hide their online activities. Virus, worm, phishing and other cyber attacks, if unleashed on your computer can affect your life in the real world. The attacker who is now aware of your identity can physically assault you or purloin funds as he has access to the sensitive information about you.

2. Quite juvenile in their ways, freedom is not such a good thing for teenagers. Too much freedom can easily make them lose sight of accountability and liability. It gives them the freedom to hurt other people’s sentiments and feelings and get away with unjustifiable acts.

3. Maintaining a covert identity can hamper the development of your social skills. You say and do things without giving a thought to how other people will react to your statements. This can make you rather inconsiderate and insensate.

4. It comes in way of your social skills as everyone you talk to is hiding under an online guise. You will be unable to establish personal connections in the long run with these people, which can leave you feeling disappointed or lonesome.

5. The habit makes you live a double life which can backfire if you get hooked. You can lose track of your goals and tasks in the real world and in some extreme cases it can also cause an identity crisis.

6. In a way, maintaining a hidden online identity also encourages cyber bullying and harassment, as teens can easily hurt others and get away with it. Making their true identities known will make all web surfers fear punishment and they will refrain from intimidating and oppressing others.

Wrap up

The cons outweigh the pros when it comes to maintain a furtive online identity. A secretive identity is not a good thing especially when it comes to teens who lack maturity and good judgment due to their tender age. Giving limited freedom is the best for teens as it keeps them aware about being responsible all the time. Until they gain a thorough understanding of people and society, it is best that teens do not have access to such sources that gives them the absolute freedom of speech.

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