This site suggests that the idea of online anonymity is becoming more and more misleading. While Internet users may be under the pretense that their identities are anonymous, advancements in technology have made it increasingly easy for other users to discover the true identities of the seemingly anonymous. Furthermore, identities are even more easily revealed when Internet behavior becomes questionable under the law. Therefore, as stated in this article, Internet users should behave under the assumption that their personal information is accessible if needed for legal proceedings. Even though sites may offer users anonymity, this does not free users from all responsibilities.
This article questions whether online anonymity is truly possible, and if so, whether or not Internet users should be made to take responsibility for their words and or actions. Ultimately, Zack Whittaker, the article's author, states that individuals should be held responsible for their online behaviors in the same sense that they are held responsible for their actions offline. Whittaker uses the example of Rosemary Port, a woman who used Blogger.com to post insulting photographs and words of verbal abuse directed towards a female model. Under court order, Goggle, the owner of Blogger.com, was forced to reveal the identity of Rosemary Port, who is now suing Goggle for "breach of anonymity." Port clearly felt that her right to remain anonymous had been violated, but does the right to anonymity free Internet users of moral and social responsibility?
This site emphasizes OpenID's role in ensuring the protection of one's identity. The site explains president Obama's endorsement of OpenID as a means of simplifying the use of government websites. The article states that the use of OpenID on government sites will allow users to access information without revealing a great deal of personal information. This article's discussion of the president's endorsement of OpenID does not lead readers to believe that OpenID will prevent user anonymity, but instead ensure users the privacy and security of their own online identities. Furthermore, Obama aims to make government sites more accessible. If Internet users feel that their identities are protected and secure, they will likely feel more at ease and be more likely to take advantage of the information and features offered on sites.
This website explains what OpenID is and how it benefits users. Essentially, OpenID is a program that allows users to use a single online identity to log into various websites. The OpenID program saves users time by preventing them from having to create separate profiles for individual websites. Open ID also allows users to be in control of what personal details are revealed online. While the OpenID website states that the program will give users "greater control over [their] online identity," I also feel that the use of this program will discourage users from listing false information about themselves. If Internet users know that the personal details they provide will be available across an array of websites, they will be more likely to provide truthful information. For example, if an individual uses Myspace to meet new people and form online relationships, he or she may be likely to list false personal information in order to impress or attract others. However, if this individual knows that this same information will be shared among his or her professional colleagues through email accounts or other sites, he or she will be less likely to lie.
This website discusses whether or not it is still possible to remain anonymous on the Internet. Cases such as the Lori Drew Myspace trial, in which the mother of a teenage girl created a fake Myspace account in order to bully a peer of her daughter, have made it apparent that the act of creating false Internet identities is not only frowned upon, but even considered criminal behavior. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Google are already taking precautions to help eliminate anonymity. The article goes on to question whether Internet users' beliefs that they are not anonymous influence their online behaviors, even if these beliefs are not entirely true.
(This may already have been posted by someone else - not sure.) Someone may have an interest in this little video. I don't know if I would use it myself or not. The author of Where the Wild Things Are talks about his story being represented in the movie coming out in October. I also like his thoughts on not talking down to kids, the movie has to "respect kids." Enjoy. :)