My.Nameis.Me Want to Make Facebook and Google+ Support Your True (Anonymous) Online Identity
Google+ raised quite a noise in the last couple of weeks when they announced that they wouldn’t allow users to have any other name than their own. Sure, anonymity on the Internet is almost impossible, thanks to Facebook, Twitter and every other social networking site, but they still allow you to have your alias instead of your name, if you need one.
And sadly, Google+ isn’t the only one. There are a lot of other services (not only the social networks) that prohibit the use of nicknames and aliases and demand the use of real names only. My name is Me wants to put a stop to that.
Why Are Real Names Bad?
Personally, I mostly use my online nickname, but I don’t have any problems giving out my real name. I know the do’s and don’ts of the Internet and I know enough that my private data should remain on my computer whenever possible. Of course, it’s a free world (mostly) and we can’t force anyone to do something they don’t like. You don’t like sharing your real name online? Fine by me, and probably anyone else on the Web, but not by Google.
The problem with forcing people into using their real names is that you’re taking away their privacy and that can have some serious consequences. They can easily be tracked by an attacker, harassed both online and offline, discriminated in several ways, lose their reputation and much worse.
Drama Queen? Think About It.
I’m sure that almost every one of you had an unpleasant situation because you’ve said something online and everybody knew it was you. Or you wanted to say something, speak up, but couldn’t because you needed to provide your real name? You have the right to your privacy and if you want to be known as Mr. Online on countless Internet forums, social networks and other online applications, then you should be granted that choice!
My Name Is Me is an advocacy group made just for that. It gathers people who choose to identify themselves online by their nicknames, not by their real name. Their moto is that:
Using a name of your own choice gives you the freedom to express yourself freely; take better control of your privacy; and be judged by your actions rather than your gender, race, or religion.
Privacy Is Overrated? Think About It, Again!
You may be thinking that people who want to stay anonymous online are probably just teens playing around, pranking their friends and doing harmless and innocent things. What about gay teens? Abuse survivors? Free speech advocates? Government employees? Military emplyees, people with disabilities, politicians…? They all need their privacy online to tell their story and stay safe.
My Name Is Me wants to make Google+, Facebook and many more small-scale social networks allow users to identify themselves by nickname, alias or any other name they choose.
If you want to spread the idea of My Name Is Me, you can do that by becoming their fan on Facebook or following them on Twitter. Share a link to their site with your friends and your social circle, a place where you feel safe.
Maybe next time, when you stumble upon a fake name saying something smart, try to look at the problem from the other side. Maybe it’s not just a kid pranking around; it just might be a very influential individual who must stay anonymous for whatever reason..
What are your thoughts on that? Are you forced to use your real names where you don’t want to use it?
