Social dynamics, dating, and interpersonal topics
1 debate
As someone who works directly with victims of online harassment and cyberbullying, I've witnessed the devastating real-world consequences of anonymous digital cruelty. When people can hide behind fake profiles, they often feel emboldened to engage in behaviors they would never consider in face-to-face interactions. I've sat with teenagers who've attempted suicide after relentless anonymous harassment, and with parents whose children were targeted by predators using false identities. Requiring real identity verification doesn't mean eliminating privacy - platforms could still allow display names and pseudonyms while keeping verified identities private from other users. This system would create accountability without stifling legitimate expression. Critics worry about whistleblowers and activists, but secure verification systems could protect these users while still deterring bad actors. The technology exists to balance safety with privacy rights. We've normalized a digital environment where cruelty thrives behind masks of anonymity. Real identity verification would restore the human connection that makes us treat each other with basic dignity, while still preserving the democratizing power of online platforms.