alt Hacker NewsToxic culture was always there but it really took of with social media where users often have zero shame to self-identify. There are anonymous communities that are far more friendly than the common insta group. "My brain" is perfectly fine with anonymous users.
And yes, anonymity should be the default because otherwise the alternative is that you need to identify. If not, most users would stay anonymous because it is simply the smarter decision with the exception that you seek exposure.
Replies
The only reason I'm public and use my real name in some social media contexts is for career exposure, so I can discuss my profession with others in hopes that it interests someone enough to offer me a job or build connections for later.
Outside of that, I have no reason not to be anonymous, and unfortunately it's too risky after the kinds of cancellation campaigns we saw during COVID over procedures, and around the same time, the all-or-nothing nonsense around whether you supported the BLM leaders' mansion fund.
It's not worth losing a job over seeing the writing on the wall before everyone else does, and calling it out publicly.
Exactly, it has much more to do with the size of the crowd than how easily the members can tie each other to real world identities.