Should Anonymous Internet Comments Be Allowed?
The anonymity of the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it's a valuable tool for privacy and security, and allows you to speak your mind without having to worry about it leaking into your "real life" too much. On the other hand, as we've clearly seen on sites like 4chan and YouTube, it sometimes coaxes out the worst in people, leading to hatefu;l and disturbing content. New York lawmakers want to sheath that double-edged sword once and for all.
According to the Consumerist, legislation was drafted earlier this year that suggests, "A web site administrator upon request shall remove any comments posted on his or her web site by an anonymous poster unless such anonymous posted agrees to attach his or her name to the post and confirms that his or her IP address, legal name, and home address are accurate." However, opponents worry it will turn into a "heckler's veto" and completely ruin open speech on the Internet. Do you think anonymous comments should be allowed?
Yes, it should be allowed
Side Score: 6
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No, it should be regulated
Side Score: 3
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I feel like that would lead to it being easier to track people you talk to online. Also being anonymous online is part of the beauty of the Internet. It's somewhere people are actually very open and honest with each other. Though it can be hurtful, I seriously believe it is better than the lying that goes on every day. Side: Yes, it should be allowed
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I think trying to regulate this is a significantly more damaging double-edged sword than online anonymity ever was. Administrators already have the right to remove comments on any of their pages, aren't they? This post is the first mention I've seen suggesting that they're unable to do so. In any case, forcing people to post under their name destroys privacy outright, and as mentioned above, has a chance to murder free speech on the internet. And if an anonymous user posts something harmful or offensive, doesn't that make it easier to depersonalize them and swat away their comment? I spend plenty of time online, and have had the chance to meet plenty of less-than-cultured people, but all I do in response to anything rude they have to say is laugh, or throw kindness in their face so they feel defeated. I think it would be a major step in the wrong direction to risk things like privacy and freedom of speech, just to make it a little more convenient to deal with insecure backyard bullies you've never even met in the flesh. Side: Yes, it should be allowed
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While the Internet is a great place for free speech, it also has a dark side nerdle. Anonymous comments and online harassment are two things that come with the territory. If you want to ensure that your online reputation remains pristine, you should always be careful about what you say and how you say it. Side: Yes, it should be allowed
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