Hiding in anonymity
Who me?
Bad behaviour is easier when it’s anonymous. As you have noticed, I’m sure. In traffic behind tinted windows in a closed car, drivers are more likely to be rude, selfish and inconsiderate. Online, aggressive and inappropriate behaviour is even worse and made easier if it’s anonymous.
Some people enjoy the attention and notoriety of their Twitter tirades and posted rants, but for the most egregious, we don’t usually know exactly who it is or where they live.

So how do we raise standards of social behaviour and civil discourse? Maybe it starts with not allowing anyone to hide behind anonymity. If they were required to disclose their names and let us see their faces, they would be less likely to embarrass themselves. More likely to say and do things they can be proud of. Boasting is better than ranting, tell us who you are and where you work.
Think about it the next time you recognize that you are hiding in anonymity. Be proud. Better yet, make Mom proud. Tell us your name.
Be better. Do better.
Your Uncle Ralph, Del Chatterson
Comments