My Conclusion of Online Anonymity

As a result of reading so many articles focusing on the good and the bad of online anonymity, it was difficult for me to decide where I stand on the matter. Of course no one wants to have the result of being anonymous end in trauma or harassment; however, the reality of the situation is that it will always be a possibility. Just because those who troll create a bad reputation for online anonymity as a whole, doesn't mean that it should be dismissed or not exist. Those who use the internet anonymously can benefit greatly from not having their name connected to their online activity. I can't help but think about the young mother or LQBTQ person who wouldn't have a place to turn to because they may feel shame in asking questions with their identity attached to it if online anonymity was done away with. Although it is very unfair that a coward can harmfully ruin someone's life, online anonymity must and should exist. What should be done however, is a way for social media platforms or online sites to filter through comments and accounts that pertain harassment and somehow do away with those in specific. I'm not completely sure of how one would do that but that seems like it would be an effective way to at least reduce online abuse. Those who do the damage should be the ones receiving a punishment, such as a permanently suspended account or taking away their ability to comment. Although it may seem difficult to rid of the terrible things that unfortunately occur on the internet, those actions shouldn't justify the removal of online anonymity as a whole.