Why do Netizens love being Anonymous?

It’s super obvious why I’m writing this blog today. I came across some friends on Instagram posting a link to fish some anonymous messages from followers and I thought why not join the trend. For a moment, I forgot I had a public account and received wonderful uplifting messages from friends. It was fun only when it was all encouragement and compliments, but how did I forget that the world isn’t always flowers and butterflies?

This wasn’t the first time I had an experience with anonymous messaging. I still remember an incident from college where an anonymous forum app was used to slut shame and body shame girls. We’ve all heard of the famous Boys Locker room case or other groups intended to pick girls and comment on them. And how can we forget all those creepy DMs from fake profiles?

I have been seasoned well enough to avoid these kinds of hatred, but I feel bad for all the young girls out there who might be facing this. I am lucky to have had friends to advise me and direct me through the right path but I cannot imagine the plight of those who are tackling it all on their own.

Internet anonymity might have been created for varied reasons including freedom of expression and privacy, but I think many have been using it for the wrong reasons. When social media entered the digital space, it made stalking easy. Of course, we all enjoy stalking people we like (including celebrities) and seeing what they’re doing in their life. Although it’s been a wonderful space for creators and influencers, the darker side has been affecting their mental health.

From the perspective of the one who had a crush on someone, this can be a way to confess some unsaid feelings or possibly hope to start a relationship with a cute compliment.

But on the other side, it’s so surprising to see some people exist with no motive but to talk crap. I fail to understand why they have to be mean or show hatred for no reason at all. It’s also scary to realize that there are people who are passively observing you all the time and choose to express their opinions in circumstances like these. But who do we blame in this scenario?

Do we blame those who put these questions out of curiosity and fun? Do we blame those who answer with unwanted hatred? Or do we blame the creators for giving us apps that made this all easy? Playing the blame game is rather easy, isn’t it?

Anonymity has existed in our society even before social media – authors under pen names, witness protection, group therapy sessions, feedback, and anonymous tips. Though there is nothing truly anonymous on the internet and finding the perpetrator isn’t so difficult, some take advantage of the temporary disguise to say things they wouldn’t otherwise. I feel that we’ll be ignorant to think that the hatred would stop someday but what we could actually do is get strong enough to not be disturbed by it. Why do we want to give the power to those bad elements to rule over us?

Stay Strong Ladies and Gents! “The society” is nothing but a mirage to keep us oppressed. BREAK FREE!!