[citation][nom]RoboTree[/nom]Actually I think they've got a point.. I dont really see anything wrong with limiting anonymity on the net.. for one thing it would stop the dude trying to sell Air Jordans in every 5th comment on this site .I really dont think losing anonymity would stop freedom of speech, or people expressing themselves and being creative... i do it all the time in real life.. and i'm fine - i dont think its terribly healthy having to hide behind an anonymous identity to say the things we believe in - just man up and say/do thing things you want. And if people dont agree with you, thats fine, its healthy, just dont feel like you need to hide.The only reason cyber bulling occurs is because people feel 'anonymous', like they can get away with it - the only reason real life bulling occurs is because they think no ones watching. in the schoolyard - no teachers, no parents - bullying happens, the same in the workplace - if people think they can get away with it without others knowing, they'll do it. Its when openness and scrutiny from others occurs - from your friends, your boss, your co-workers, your family -that people stop being douches. I believe that once we have a more open society everything will be roses.[/citation]
And please explain Robo how losing anonymity on the internet is suppose to make people fear consequences? And what consequences does one need to face?
Now I am not saying that bullying of any form is any good, but let's really take a look at cyberbullying. Where it most affects people is when they are already known to each other, when they know each other's identities. In those cases anonymity is not a consideration.
Let's be honest, the only way losing anonymity on the internet can modify behavior is if real life consequences follow. What should those be? Fired from a job? Expelled from school? Perhaps someone should be hunted down and beaten up for making a "troll" post on some forum?
And yes, losing anonymity CAN hinder free speech. Some people feel more comfortable expressing their real, inner feelings on political, spiritual and other matters when they don't have a fear that an employer or a family member who has different beliefs can "get back at them".
I am sorry you have fallen for the "The internet will be a more civil place if we are all known for who we are" line. It will be no more of a civil place, and in fact will be a place where people with legitimate views will think twice about expressing them for any possible backlash. Indeed, the rude and the trolls will have no fear and will have a larger voice because of the diminished participation of the legitmate views.
No, this idea by Facebook is for one reason and one reason only. Dollars. The more information about people they have, the more they will be able to sell to marketers for a profit. It's rather odd that over the years people have hated Microsoft or Apple or Google for a belief they held too much power when Facebook is gaining more and more power than any of them combined. And we are all asleep while they take it.