Global perspectives on online anonymity. Age trends in the use of anonymity online and its impact on human behavior and freedom of expression.
Youth IGF Project - Childnet international (October 2013).
Over 1,300 people from across 68 countries took part in the Youth IGF Project survey. This survey was designed by a group of young people aged 15-17 years to help them explore global attitudes and experiences of online anonymity.
The following statements can be concluded:
Communicating anonymously online is popular across all age groups, and it can bring both benefits and challenges.
As we share more and more information online, anonymity can be a way of protecting personal information and exploring sensitive topics, friendships and identities without the risk of these actions being linked back to them - or indeed it can help people escape prejudices that can come into play.
As in the offline world, we control what information we share with different people, and anonymity can be a way of separating the personal information you might share with family or friends from the information you might share with strangers.
Many also felt that being anonymous online facilitates their freedom of expression, with many people saying they feel more comfortable with expressing their views, protesting and discussing taboo subjects.
However, despite these clear benefits, the vast majority also felt that people can be nastier if they are anonymous on the internet, although fewer people reported that they had directly received anonymous abuse, and even fewer admitted they themselves might be nastier if they were anonymous.
Despite the negative aspects of anonymity online, the vast majority felt that it is important that people are allowed to be anonymous online if they want to be.
