Passage 2

Ever since its creation over 40 years ago, the Internet has remained a predominantly unrestricted place where anyone can present themselves in any form they choose, but what happens when your digital identity begins to merge with your real-world identity Are those who choose to hide their real names in danger of losing anonymity online Such is the power of anonymity on the web that it has made it possible for people to speak out without fearing the repercussions of their actions. Concealing one′s true identity online has made it possible for free speech to break through the physical barriers enforced by governments across the world.

Being anonymous on the web also makes it possible for people to discuss sensitive subjects, such as medical conditions, physical abuse and sexual orientation, without these actions affecting their everyday lives in a potentially harmful way. There are positive ways to use anonymity on the web, but there can sometimes be very destructive side effects too, such as bullying, racism, impersonation of an individual or individuals,even stock market manipulation. When this kind of damaging activity is carried out online, how can the offender ever be held accountable for their actions when they are almost entirely untraceable in a virtual world

The offending individuals hide behind a pseudonym, protecting themselves from the repercussions of their actions. This all sounds very complicated to achieve, but in reality it′s as simple as setting up an email address, creating an online profile under a false name and carrying out malicious acts from a random, non-descript location. Thankfully, things are starting to change. The rise of identity-centric social networks like Facebook, Google and LinkedIn, make it increasingly more difficult to live an anonymous life on the Internet. These platforms are inherently social and rely on you, as a user, to establish a network of friends and acquaintances. This effectively creates an online version of your real life that relies on your true identity in order to function.

Why the Internet has remained a prominently free place since its creation 查看材料

• A.People can break through the physical barriers to visit other places across the world
• B.Everyone can present himself or herself in any form
• C.People must be anonymous on the web in order to speak freely
• D.The Internet is a much safer place than the real world