Beyond a Dichotomous Understanding of Online Anonymity: Bridging the Macro and Micro Level

Abstract

Anonymity on the Internet is a contentious issue; by some seen as an important freedom to be protected, while others argue for increased identification to protect groups at risk of exploitation. The debate reflects a dichotomous view of online anonymity; you are, or you are not anonymous. However, anonymity is a complex process played out on different levels and defined by various actors. While empirical studies show this, theoretical synthesis is lacking. This essay provides perspective on anonymity online by comparing two critical cases, online auctions and online gaming, we corroborate results from a 4-year interdisciplinary project with researchers from sociology, economics, and computer and system sciences. We argue that one should talk about anonymities in plural form, as online anonymity is not a state but a relational process. We put forth a conceptual model, which unpacks online anonymity as interdependent macro structures – legal, commercial, and technological – and micro/meso facets – factual, social group, and physical – to be used in future research.

Disconnection: How Measured Separations From Journalistic Norms and Labor Can Help Sustain Journalism

“…Forms of online disconnection have often focused on issues of privacy (Light, 2014), surveillance (Tufekci, 2008), and reluctance or non-use of social media and the maintenance of online profiles after death (Hargittai, 2007). Time management, information overload, and desire for anonymity also impact disconnection strategies in a way that reflects from macro to microstructures of social interactions (Eklund et al, 2021).…”

The social capital accumulation in the contemporary era

“…In the future, similar studies can be performed on populations other than youth, and even consider the effects of time and generation in social capital accumulation. In addition, it was pointed out that anonymity was not a dichotomous concept but a complex one (Eklund et al. , 2021).…”

“…, 2021). While some platforms allowed more autonomous control in the amount of identity disclosure, some platforms required the disclosure of real-life identities (Eklund et al. , 2021).…”

“…In the future, similar studies can be performed on populations other than youth, and even consider the effects of time and generation in social capital accumulation. In addition, it was pointed out that anonymity was not a dichotomous concept but a complex one (Eklund et al, 2021). While some platforms allowed more autonomous control in the amount of identity disclosure, some platforms required the disclosure of real-life identities (Eklund et al, 2021).…”

“…In addition, it was pointed out that anonymity was not a dichotomous concept but a complex one (Eklund et al, 2021). While some platforms allowed more autonomous control in the amount of identity disclosure, some platforms required the disclosure of real-life identities (Eklund et al, 2021). Also, how people interact with others online (e.g.…”