Internet anonymity

There is nowhere darker and more lost in this world than the comments section on Huffington Post. It is a depressing chasm of self-absorbed opinion and slander that makes political rhetoric seem tame.

There's something about the relative anonymity of the internet that empowers people to believe they can say whatever they want without consequence. Things they would never say to another person face-to-face spew from their fingertips as casually as everyday water cooler conversation. Here's why:

1. The Handle

For most people, their internet handle is something entirely anonymous. Fuzzybear872 could be anyone. Sometimes a handle will reveal a small bias towards some part of society. imaredstate. crimsontide4life. iheartskitles19. Regardless, these people can post in almost complete anonymity. Which means virtually no consequence to their words.

This is like a fantasy for many people. How many have day dreamt about the thought: "if you were invisible, what would you do?" The answer to this question almost always is the result of what you would do without consequence.

Can God see the invisible?

My most common internet handle is pastordan23. I chose this handle very much on purpose, because it immediately kills my anonymity. Not that people know who I am, but they know what I am: a pastor. A Christian. Someone who claims to be a follower of Christ. Suddenly, everything I post, say, or do under this handle caries a certain inflection and meaning. Mine is a Christian response. Whether those who come across my posts know me or not, they know what I claim to stand for. I am an ambassador for Christ. This is somewhat for them, but more of a reminder for me that my words are not shared in a godless vacuum, but that Jesus lives in the interwebs, too. It causes me to think before I post.

2. The Inner Desire

"Character is how you act when no one is watching." What you do when you are anonymous shows the real you. If this is true, then the online forums of the internet show a sad state of character for all of us. No one seems to have a predisposition towards grace, mercy, and love in our inner character.

Do we really have that much pent up rage, anger, and frustration? Do we really think so little of our fellow man? Are we really so critical of those in leadership positions? Do we really look at all of those around us who are not like us and think that the world would be a better place if they were nowhere to be found?

If our online actions are a valid indication, it seems to be a sad yes.

3. Power for the Powerless

When those who are normally powerless are able to find any sort of position of power, they wield that power absolutely. They are power drunk.

The internet is fantastic for giving people a feeling of power. When I get double-digit likes on my Facebook post, I think I'm ruling the world and my influence must be incredibly wide-reaching.

If you are powerless and you want a feeling of validation, you need only create an internet persona in a public forum, say something outlandish, and wait for response. If people respond favorably, you must be the voice of a generation or new movement of thought. The world certainly needs more of you...if only they knew who you really were! If people respond negatively, then you are even MORE important! The voice of the minority whom the majority is attempting to silence!

In fact, the only response you could get that would call into question your importance would be no response at all. But if your comment is outlandish enough, funny enough, or brash enough, that is sure not to happen.


So...what is the Christian way to respond to all of this? First, as followers of Christ we need to remember that we ourselves are not unnoticed and anonymous. There is a God who knows our name and sees what we do...even on the internet. Second, remember that even the most vulgar and harsh of internet personas is owned and operated by a real person with real feelings whom God really loves. Third, we have a chance to show anonymous grace and love...the rarest response of all.