The term anonymity is described by Lexico Publishing Group (2000) as ‘the quality or state of being unknown or acknowledged'. Anonymity is a major reason why users choose to visit and interact in the virtual environments of chat rooms and multi-user dungeons.

Lee (1996) says the potential anonymity on the Internet is attractive to those who do not want to reveal their real identities. Stating that in face-to-face and telephone communication real identities are generally revealed or at least defining characteristics such as gender or nationality are known. Anonymity on the Internet means users have more control over how they present themselves to the rest of the virtual world.

Why this is seen as a positive for many users there has been much debate about whether users should reveal the real identities when online. Brown (1998) says that anonymity on the Internet could have potentially dangerous ramifications such as defamation, copyright infringement and various other criminal activities.

These issues have cause many legal and legislation battles over the need to apply identification and restriction laws to Internet users. A report ( Anonymity on the 'Net: The legal battle heats up 2000, p. 11) indicates that in the last few years, an increasing number of lawsuits have been filed to challenge the right of online bulletin board and chat room participants to keep their identities secret.

China is a perfect example of the anonymity of the Internet is influencing society. In 2001 the U.S. Embassy Beijing release a report on the growing influence of the Internet and the governments reaction. Below are some key points raised.

U.S. Embassy Beijing (2001). View full report here

The interactive and information capabilities of the Internet have put Chinese authorities in a dilemma. They are aware that the Internet can bring economic benefits but fear the political fall-out from the free flow of information.

The Internet was become a key communication tool for the Chinese to voice their opinions. Websites are regularly posting surprisingly blunt critiques of Chinese society, the Party and the Government. It should be noted that these are usually quickly erased, but still do attract much attention.

In 2000, the government introduced various regulations where content in chat rooms was monitored and controversial topics restricted.

These regulations did not stop anonymous messages being posted that were highly critical of the government.

Chinese authorities seem to acknowledge that they can only control the Internet up to a point, lest they risk limiting the flow of commercial and scientific information China needs to modernize. 

China is a society where the government has tight control over its people in regards to what information is available and the free expression of the people. The report indicates that with anonymity on the Internet Chinese people more freely voice their views. This proves that anonymity does influence Internet users. Without the anonymity of the Internet the behaviour of the Chinese would be different as they would be more reluctant to express themselves as they may face ramifications.

References

Brown, G 1998, Should Individuals be Allowed to Remain Anonymous on the Internet?: Does McIntyre v. Ohio Hold the Clues?, viewed 3 September 2004, http://noise.dhs.org/remailer/gdbrown

Lexico Publishing Group 2000, Anonmity , viewed 8 September 2004, http://www.Dictionary.com

Lee, G 1996, ‘Addressing anonymous messages in cyberspace', Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication , vol 2, no. 1, Part 1 of a Special Issue

‘Anonymity on the 'Net: The legal battle heats up' 2000, Computer Law & Tax Report , vol. 26, no. 12, p. 11.

U.S. Embassy Beijing 2001, Kids, Cadres And "Cultists" All Love It: Growing Influence Of The Internet In China viewed 2 September 2004, http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/netoverview.html