Digital Nation Paper

The Mob.
What are the, perhaps, unintended effects unleashed by our connectedness? Does anonymity plus connectivity always equal misbehavior and cruelty? How are we to explain some of the collective anger that seems to be unleashed online - and is it a result of the same anger characterizing much of our society's discourse, or is it the cause?

At a first glance, online connectedness appears to be a wonderful thing, and it can be in many aspects. It’s amazing to be able to connect with long lost friends through Facebook, share pictures of special events with online photo albums, or to effortlessly collaborate online for a group project. In essence, online connectedness brings us together as people and puts us at a higher advantage, socially, than ever before. But with the good always comes the bad, and with online connectedness comes the vicious. While there are plenty of perks to social connectivity, there are also some unintended effects such as misbehavior, cruelty and anger.

As a college student, social connectivity has personally saved my life on numerous occasions. Group projects happen on a regular basis despite everyone’s entirely different schedules. It’s virtually impossible to coordinate a convenient time for everyone. Thus, being connected online makes group projects feasible, effective and much easier.  In this way, online connectivity is extremely beneficial.

The online world would not be the same without the aspect of anonymity. Anonymity allows many people to express their problems and seek help. Many people depend on anonymous online question and answer websites for true, uncensored resolutions to their problems. People can form strong connections and relationships with others online not only in the form of support but also intimately. In a study comparing self-disclosure online and face-to-face, McKenna and Seidman (2005) found that people shared more of their true selves online than face-to-face and liked an Internet partner more than a face-to-face partner. Computers can sometimes enhance the development of friendships, free of the usual constraints of the first reactions to physical appearance and personal mannerisms.  In this way, online connectedness can be a huge plus. But again, the aspect of anonymity can take a huge turn for the worse. Anyone can easily conceal, or feign their identity online. This is where some of the negative effects of online connectivity come into play.

Being connected with massive amounts of people online can be dangerous. Social networking such as Facebook, allows people to expose themselves to thousands of others that they may not necessarily know. Even with the privacy settings available, people can still retrieve personal information online. This opens up a field for predators and unethical behaviors online. Anonymity online allows people to act freely, uncensored, and inappropriately because they are not held responsible for their actions.

People also tend to use the Internet as a place to take out their anger and express their true opinions about others. Formspring is a new social networking site used to anonymously critique others. In other words, the website enables cowards to say demeaning things that they don’t have enough courage to say face to face. People are more courageous online because their name and dignity is not compromised. Anonymity, especially online, is like liquid courage. It makes people feel invincible and untouchable. Some people simply view the Internet as alternate reality where normal rules of decency fail to apply. Consequently, people act cruel and vindictive. Being connected with others online makes it even easier for the online bully to gang up against another because they have support behind them.

If you take a step outside of the online world, anger and cruelty prevails. I don’t necessarily feel that this anger is caused by online connectivity, but I think much of the anger that characterizes our society’s discourse is furthered online. The online realm is the perfect place for people to express their opinions on recent news and controversial issues. With the millions of people online, it’s easy to find someone who will agree and it’s even easier to start a heated debate, which plenty of people these days enjoy. All together there is an abundance of animosity that is unleashed online. There will always be people who chose to release their angers and insecurities online rather than taking advantage of the close connection to the world.