The Y behind the X

Internet makes the lure of anonymity utterly irresistible. It provides a new avenue for a second life on a scale never before imagined. Why do people clamour for this escape from reality? By withholding certain aspects of their lives, are they not indulging in dishonest behaviour? Or by keeping back those outer aspects of life, which are mere embellishments to the soul, does this anonymity serve to bring out the real person in them? Let us explore briefly the Ys behind the ‘X factor.’

Traditionally, nondisclosure amounts to untruthful behaviour. It implies the need to hide and indicates a dichotomy of identity and personality leading to hypocrisy. When outer life fails to accurately represent the inner life, there is a splitting of the mind. It often arises from the lack of courage or vision to bring one’s ideals into practice. It also portends a repressive physical and emotional environment that inhibits true yearnings and hence the need for an alter ego. However, anonymity becomes acceptable or even desirable in real life when dangerous truths have to be revealed in order to avoid threatening consequences.

On the other hand, Internet poses challenges that are unique. Identities are often stolen, misused or hijacked by undesirable elements. There is a constant need to fend off predatory behaviour. The degree of exposure to the unknown is considerably higher on the Internet than in the real world where monetary, physical or social considerations limit sense of adventure. Under such difficult conditions, a pseudonym becomes an attractive choice.

Apart from its protective aspect, anonymity also serves to be therapeutic. Painful secrets can be revealed and understanding sought in the form of comments and opinions that gives a sense of solidarity and relief. Many poignant stories are told in these secret exchanges in broad daylight. When the burdens of the heart are made lighter, solutions to long-held problems can be adequately framed. Relationships acquired through these exchanges also prove invaluable in tiding over times of great emotional upheaval. Unlike the real world, a person can open up to others without fear of any stigma or any repercussions that are binding.

In addition to the above sober considerations, there is a fun side to anonymity. Often people embark on such journeys just for a new experience. The freedom it offers is exhilarating. It also becomes an arena to explore new facets of personality. It could also be a litmus test to a person’s true worth in the absence of societal pressures or accountability.

Some people resort to a nom de plume to escape from an illustrious name and the preconceptions that accompany it. It then becomes an opportunity to get an unbiased readership and shun sycophancy. Anonymity lends a mystic aura to the writing. It provides a fresh slate, the hope of a new beginning.

As with anything that life has to offer, anonymity too has its pitfalls if it is not handled with equanimity. There is the danger of excessive attachment to the pseudo identity at the cost of reality. Self control, as always, is the decisive factor.

Thus as science opens up new frontiers of existence, the doors to novel experiences are thrown open. Old rules do not apply here. New ones are yet to arrive. In this twilight zone of unlimited freedom how man behaves will prove his true mettle.