Anonymity and Credibility in Social Media
I agree with Budi Putra that anonymity should be accepted. And why not? I even go further in my previous post that scientific posting, on certain topics, will automatically earn you a credibilty irrespective of whether you’re anonymous or not. I emphasize the word “certain topics” because there’re some other topics in which clarity of identity is a must unless you’re a careless person who dont need the so-called credible ‘awards.’
What kind of topics that needs clarity of identity? (a) Religion; (b) Politics; (c) Minority/majority issue among others. Why? Let me explain a bit further.
As I said earlier on, neutrality & objectivity is a one way ticket towards credibility. Yet, both are an impressionist in nature. Readers need to be convinced that you’re in a neutral position when writing on those topics.
How do readers know that you are in a neutral position? The answer is your identity. Generally, neutrality and objectivity very much related to self-criticism (against your own religion, community, political party, etc).
So, when someone known for his/her closeness to a political party, say PKS, and he/she criticises some of PKS’ policy, certainly his/her criticism has the merit to be heard; and obviously such kind of criticism has credibility. On the contrary, anonymity on this regard will have many interpretations: one migh think that you are from some other political party and hence it’s common practice to attack other parties.
Likewise, a Muslim known for his/her attachment to Islam his/her criticism against Islam and Muslims will obviously has more credibility than an anonymous writer who does the same. An anonymous writer or blogger whose daily posting enjoys attacking Islam and Muslim all the time will be regarded or at least suspect of being one of those from the Evangelist group or anyone with similar point of reference, in turn no purpose of significant would be achieved but one: to satisfy one’s lust of hatred and those readers who have the same inclination. Similarly, a pious Christian has more merit in criticising Christianity and Christians.
Having said that, anonymity is the right to choose in the virtual world. Just as being credible or untrustworthy is the choice for anyone to take.