Nobody is anonymous online, however there is a face value of anonymity that comes with having a username and a profile picture that people find different to the anonymity that can be created in the physical world. “von Hirsch has argued that expectations of anonymity, meaning nonidentifiability, protect a sense of dignity and autonomy as we go about our lives in public spheres”, this anonymity is necessary especially for those searching for sensitive topics online such as counselling or health related services.
“In comparison to face-to-face and telephonic communications, social and person cues are reduced in online communications, and people can easily adopt pseudonyms and personae in chat rooms, blogs, and so on.”
The anonymity that is needed by many online is often misused by people, when people’s voices aren’t heard and their faces aren’t seen they often feel much more confident in posting controversial and hateful things knowing that there will likely be no repercussions.