The anonymous online self: Toward an understanding of the tension between discipline and online anonymity

Abstract

We aim to have a nuanced understanding of the seemingly antithetical tension between discipline and anonymity in online settings. Using a rich set of qualitative data from a real-life online forum, we find that anonymity does not necessarily eliminate discipline. Three forms of discursive discipline appear under conditions of anonymity: technological discipline, peer discipline, and self-discipline. Thus, the online forum may be seen as an omniopticon in which the anonymous online self is monitored and disciplined in multiple ways. Information technology both enables and constrains how individuals balance the competing needs of anonymity and discipline. We suggest new ways of looking at the literature on discipline and anonymity in online environments and at the role played by technology.

Which journal characteristics best invite submissions?

“…In the second paper, Guo and Yu () investigate online anonymity, which is often seen as antithetic to discipline because individuals can hide their identities and therefore escape discipline for their bad behaviours. However, the authors argue that this antithetic relationship between anonymity and discipline is more complex than it seems.…”

Information Privacy in the Digital Age : Theoretical Foundation and Empirical Evidence

“…This paper first shows that resignation can exist in the privacy domain. If that is the case, also as shown by recent studies (Guo and Yu 2020), individuals can resign to the fact that others can control who has access to their information such that they can no longer protect their privacy. With this, they can no longer trust that only they have the right do so.…”

“…Otherwise, the individual may resign in protecting herself (Feifel and Strack 1989). Recent research indicates that many individuals resign in protecting their privacy (Guo and Yu 2020). Yet, independent of the level of resignation: When individuals come to a decision to disclose information or to protect their privacy, the sensitivity of the information plays a major role (Mothersbaugh et al 2011).…”

“…In this case, the original owner may no longer be sole owner of her personal information and may not be explicitly asked to disclose the personal information. Furthermore, recent literature indicates that in the digital age, individuals may have resigned in protecting their own privacy (see section 2.2.2) (Guo and Yu 2020). This may indicate a loss of privacy ownership.…”

“…Resignation is a reaction to events such as threats in which individuals accept the threat and take no actions to change it (Feifel and Strack 1989). Previous research indicates that resignation could alter the effect of benefits and privacy risks on disclosure (Acquisti 2004;Guo and Yu 2020;Hoffmann et al 2016;Spiekermann et al 2001). Paper III investigates the implications for the privacy calculus caused by resignation, i.e.…”