Beyond a Dichotomous Understanding of Online Anonymity

Bridging the Macro and Micro Level

Bibliographic Data

ID2392178
AuthorsL Eklund (0000-0002-8086-4962, Uppsala University, corresponding author), Emma Von Essen (0000-0002-9169-0064, Stockholm University), Fatima Jonsson (0000-0003-4890-0887, Södertörn University), Magnus Johansson (0000-0003-1669-592X, Uppsala University)
Year2022
Volume27
Issue2
Pages486-503
Publication date2022-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Research Online (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1360-7804 • E-ISSN: 1360-7804
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13607804211019760
OpenAlexW3174754639
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited44

Anonymity on the Internet is a contentious issue; by some seen as an important freedom to be protected, while others argue for increased identification to protect groups at risk of exploitation. The debate reflects a dichotomous view of online anonymity; you are, or you are not anonymous. However, anonymity is a complex process played out on different levels and defined by various actors. While empirical studies show this, theoretical synthesis is lacking. This essay provides perspective on anonymity online by comparing two critical cases, online auctions and online gaming, we corroborate results from a 4-year interdisciplinary project with researchers from sociology, economics, and computer and system sciences. We argue that one should talk about anonymities in plural form, as online anonymity is not a state but a relational process. We put forth a conceptual model, which unpacks online anonymity as interdependent macro structures - legal, commercial, and technological - and micro/meso facets - factual, social group, and physical - to be used in future research

Anonymity · Computer security · Epistemology · Interdependence · Internet privacy · Political science · Social science · Sociology · The Internet · Computer Science · Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies · Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection · Law · Privacy, Security, and Data Protection

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