"Anonymous", when it comes to social media, is a term that must be used carefully. Apps such as Yik Yak and Fade, along with Facebook/Twitter accounts like Coyote Confessions, are becoming internet sensations due to the obscurity they offer users. However, while some individuals use these apps and websites for good, most users are starting to post little more than trash talk and hurtful comments; hiding behind a wall of anonymity makes people shockingly more brave than they probably should be. Without having their name tied to their comment, nobody cares what they say. Almost all ethical restraints are taken away by the fact that people can say anything without readers having to know who they are. Therefore, I don't much care for these apps. Sure, some posts can be funny, but most of them go too far. Also, it should be noted that none of these posts are truly anonymous; if necessary, a post can be traced back to its author by someone who knows how to navigate a computer. A good rule of thumb to follow with these posts, for the sake of their targets and audience alike, is to not post something online if you wouldn't say it out loud.
The following is an example of people who thought they were being anonymous online actually getting tracked:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/16/-sp-revealed-whisper-app-tracking-users
http://cdn.business2community.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/460773149.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment