Anonymous social media can be a way to spread a rumor or get a point across without having to reveal who you are.
This form of social media can also be a way for people to find an outlet to release any thoughts or feelings they need to get out and not fear that someone will judge them
Charlie R. Claywell of lovetoknow.com lists some reasons why anonymous social media can be a positive thing.
He says that it”
- Offers a way to help people in need: users are not identified so those that are troubled can “find help from a non-judgmental source.”
- Encourages meaningful dialogue: “can push important issues to the forefront.”
- Becomes a source for breaking news: users can post news “as it happens”
- Generates unbiased advice” ask for advise on life if they feel uncomfortable asking it from someone they actually know.
- Provides entertainment via gossip and humor: the sites can be a way to spread jokes and celebrity news.
Claywell also states that people who do not support anonymous social media believe that it “perpetuates cyber-bullying, slander, and other less desirable human traits.”
To keep users safe, many of these anonymous social media sites aren't actually all that anonymous. They will find a users identity if necessary. If law enforcement needs help then such sites will lend a hand with finding out who they need to find.
Sara Ashley O’Brien of CNN Money says that anonymous social media platforms are meant for users to “turn to the app to vent and divulge their innermost thoughts for others to “heart” and respond to.”
O’Brien discusses the app, Whisper and how it keeps anonymous posts positive and not mean spirited.
To keep cyber bulling and violence from occurring through their app, Whisper “bans things like bullying, fat-shaming and slut-shaming.”
To filter out the bad posts, Whisper made a “machine-learning system” to decide if the posts’ content is suitable for the app.
Yik Yak goes even further to prevent hatred by not letting high school aged kids to use the app at all.
There are definite pros and cons when dealing with anonymous social media. Even though this apps can be a way to gain advice and spread ideas and news, it can also be unkind to many people. It is important that these sites and apps create an environment that users want to flock to and not be excluded from.