The Mask...

          "Give a person a mask

                And then see his true face..."

Anonymity is a virtue.... or maybe a vice. When a person is assured of his anonymity, he can say anything and everything he likes. Being anonymous makes him bold. He isn't afraid of tarnishing his name. This might be advantageous for the anonymous speaker, but for his listeners it might not be so. 

Have you ever received an anonymous note,message or phone call? It is pretty creepy, isn't it? Specially, the fact that you do not know who the speaker is, what kind of a person are you dealing with, makes it creepier. You just cant do anything about it. You never  know where he might be. The same person who might be really sweet to you on your face may be the one harassing you anonymously. It's like a nightmare come to life. 

Even on social platforms, anonymity becomes a shield for a person. He may present his views in any way he desires. He does not need to fear the consequences of his words because no one knows him. This emboldens him to speak in the filthiest language possible and makes him capable of the darkest deeds imaginable. The assurity of not being known becomes a very powerful factor in his decision making process.

Yes, I agree that anonymity can also be a gift, but only when it is in the hands of a truly pure hearted person. But then one is compelled to question that if it was a good deed then why did he need anonymity? The answer to this question is very subjective, depending on many factors. Also, it changes from situation to situation. 

So, is anonymity a virtue or a vice? I believe that it completely depends on the person who is using it and hope that people stop turning it into a vice.

Till next time, yours

Pragya  :)