Identity Crisis- Anonymous vs Nonymous

Research into self-presentation online has in recent years focused around anonymous vs nonymous online environments and the way in which this impacts self-presentation and identity constructions. (Primarily) Being a digital media student this whole area really interests me and I find the way in which we interact in these two different environments to be quite interesting.

In a study by Zao, Grasmuck and Martin they found that:

“People acted differently in such environments (anonymous) than they did in other online settings (nonymous)” (2008)

Why would this be so? Think about it… How do you construct your identity on Facebook? Would this differ to an anonymous environment such as Chat Rooms, Online Forums or Online Games such as MMOG’s (Massively Multiplayer Online Games etc). Would you find yourself to be more likely to express your opinion, give feedback or engage in other activities that in a nonymous environment would be unlikely to do? It’s an interesting concept and really empathises the impact that anonymous and nonymous environments have on an individual.

One particular form of anonymous online communication ‘Chatroulette’ which rose to fame in 2010 allows users to video chat with random strangers whilst remaining anonymous 100%.. Right? WRONG! Recently a developer has launched a new website ‘Chatroulette Map’ in which utilises your broadcast location and IP address and exploits your location on a Google Map. Laters anonomity! Quite frankly I think I would prefer them to know my name rather than location coordinates.. At least there’s a chance of there being more than one Elise Boonstra in the world!

I will leave you with a question, followed by one of my favourite youtube sensations Steve Kardynal who rose to fame off Chatroulette (Yes his identity is now out there for everyone to know!), its slightly off topic but too good to leave out!

What do you think about anonymous vs nonymous online environments? Do you feel your identity and behaviours differ from one to the other?

Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe (Chatroulette Draco Edit) from DJ Draco on Vimeo.

References:

Zuras, M. 2010, “A Cat Mask Won't Save You: Chatroulette Map Exposes Your Location” Switched, March 11, accessed 22/09/2012,  http://www.switched.com/2010/03/11/a-cat-mask-wont-save-you-chatroulette-map-exposes-your-locatio/

Zhao S, Grasmuck S & Martin, J. 2008, ‘Identity construction on Facebook: Digital empowerment in anchored relationships’, Computers in Human Behavior, vol 24, issue 5, pp 1816-1836, accessed 22/09/2012, SciVerse Database.