A study of You Tube Videos has been presented by Mr Nn Laeeq Khan of the Michigan State University has thrown up a interesting thoughts on the “role of Anonymity” in online socializing. In the background of Internet Censorship controversies in India, the findings of the study are relevant for India.
It is well known that “Anonymity” was one of the main reasons for the Internet to be popular as a medium of communication. The raise of the social media has also been significantly assisted by the fact that people participate in discussions through “Comments” and enrich the thoughts presented by one person.
The study of Lqeeq Khan on Comments made on You Tube videos indicated that both praises and criticisms were significantly high in the anonymous mode rather than an identified mode. During the study it was observed that 863 appreciative comments were made of which 856 were anonymous. Out of the 252 critical comments, 251 were anonymous. Out of 93 flames and 176 spam comments, 93 and 166 comments were anonymous. In summary, 99.4 % of all comments were anonymous.
It is not surprising that the critical comments, Flames and spams are anonymous. But the fact that 856 of 863 appreciative comments were anonymous is indicative of a distinct preference for anonymity by Netizens.
This finding negates the school of thought that Netizen’s comments are aimed at stroking “Self Ego”. They appear to be more honest in objectively expressing their opinion. The fact is that Netizens continue to consider that “Anonymity” is the way of life on the Net.
This should be a good feedback to the regulators who move heaven and earth to curb Netizen’s freedom of expression through misuse of legislation.
Recognizing the two divergent views, Naavi continues to favour his thought of “Regulated Anonymity” as a way forward. It is a concept where “Anonymity” is preserved by a “Non Governmental” body of Netizens which in exceptional circumstances cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that the Cyber Society lives in harmony with the physical society.
Naavi
Related Article: Theory of Regulated Anonymity by Naavi
