In an era where the internet is the next best thing since sliced bread, millions can gain access to your life with just a click on the follow button. Despite being amusing, such convenience also comes with its own limitations and disadvantages.
From accepting cookies on simple article reading sites to creating customized profiles on social media platforms, users are giving out their personal data to the Internet every single day.
This constant flow of information poses threats to privacy; hence many people tend to seek digital anonymity. According to statistics, 61% of Americans want to do more to protect their online privacy.
But is going anonymous online the right choice in every situation?
To help clear up any confusion, let us explore some cases that can help you make a decision based on facts.
Online Bitcoin Games
The emergence of Bitcoin-based digital casino games has revolutionized online gaming, largely due to the emphasis on privacy. This digital realm presents classic and anonymous gaming options, pleasing its players while securing their privacy at the same time.
Although conventional and anonymous gaming methods each hold benefits, opting for the latter in digital Bitcoin casino games lets players approach the gaming experience from multiple angles.
Regular Bitcoin casino games use a traditional user system where players sign up and play games with their personal info. Yet, in the case of anonymous Bitcoin casinos, people can play games without showing off their personal and payment info. This gives a layer of privacy which is missing in regular gaming styles.
Anonymity has emerged as a powerful ally which gives players a strategic advantage and improved risk management. The absence of identifiable information prevents gamers from targeted attacks thus creating a safe zone that encourages creativity and innovation. With an ability to make impartial decisions without the fear of external judgments, players get to play on a ground free of exploitation.
Googling on a Public Computer
Picture this: you are in an internet cafe, logging in to read some very urgent yet confidential emails. Or maybe you are accessing your online bank accounts for emergency transactions. Both these activities may lead to serious trouble if your data gets compromised.
A smart way to protect your personal information when using a public computer is browsing in incognito mode. This prevents passwords from being saved, logs out from accounts automatically, and reduces tracking by sites and advertisers to a certain extent.
Incognito Mode can help prevent targeted ads and increase security, protecting your private sessions and reducing the chances of exposing sensitive data. This makes it more difficult for someone to access your accounts or sensitive data after you’ve finished your session.
However, it is wrong to entirely rely on incognito as a protective measure. It may prevent local storage of browsing history but does not mask you fully online. Websites, ISPs, and hackers can still trace your steps.
More than 60% of Americans admit they know very little or nothing about the current laws and regulations in place to protect their data privacy. Even when browsing privately it’s good to be well-informed and aware of the security threats around you.
What About Social Media?
In a world on its own, social media platforms demand digital presence from their users, and it has many interesting angles, as you can find in some docu-series. Whether you are an influencer connecting with your audience or an activist voicing your opinions for a noble cause, social media is the perfect place for you.
Many make a career out of social media today by opting for vlogging and Instagram influencing as full-time careers. On the other hand, some indirectly advance their careers through social media by showcasing their achievements on Linkedin and other professional platforms. To create a reputation and attract the right audience, one needs to be seen and acknowledged.
Moreover, most folks use social media to keep in touch and share life moments with relatives and friends. So, being anonymous isn’t logical in these scenarios.
With privacy still being an important factor, one can control what and with whom they share information on these platforms while maintaining a known presence within the limits of established security guidelines.
Meaningful Online Conversations
When an online conversation takes place, it is sometimes better to refrain from being anonymous. In cases such as this, revealing your identity can help have positive impacts.
Take for example a discussion between an online teacher and students or researchers within a scientific community. Both parties can benefit from open and honest dialogue. In such a scenario, trust can be formed by revealing true identities.
This can also reduce the problem of anonymous toxicity that plagues many internet forums.
Final Thoughts
When digital anonymity is mentioned, it can mean various things ranging from securing what an average user does online to empowering individuals so that they do not fear expressing their opinions.
However, one needs to strike a balance as they make this choice. Digital anonymity has many benefits but sometimes, being visible and active online may be the right choice against all odds.
