Do anonymous user names prohibit online responsibility?

Question

tim · Answer

I definitely think they do. Take a look at any local political blog.

anonymous · Answer

In my opinion, i believe that it prohibits. Hiding behind a screen, inidividuals feel as though they are free from harm and judgmenet as long as no one can trace anything back to them, and this is true. 
A couple months ago, i conducted an experiment almost identical to this question; "Do individuals online feel responsible for anything that happens to someone else?"

In my experiment, i browsed a site called "omegle" which matches you up with random "strangers". I would pose the same question every time "Im feeling suicidal. should i Overdose on pills, hang myself, or just go to sleep?" 

of the 20 people i conversed with, more than 50% of them (13) suggested either ingesting pills, or hanging myself. A mere 35% of people felt as though I should be allowed to live. 

i hope i justly answered your question, Matthew.

llort · Answer

Did a study of this at my university, and the answer is a resounding yes. When people believe they are not being watched they sink to their lowest forms.

matthewrlee · Answer

Thank you all for your replies. I'm shocked by the feedback you received on Omegle, Dapo.

anonymous · Answer

If you want a definite answer where you can see the results for yourself, check any anonymous imageboard. You will see that when people are under the impression that they are anonymous, they will admit ANYTHING. Everything from when they raped a person, to their innermost desires. Such as Child Pornography. Incestual desires. Or Scat fetishes. The list goes on and on. And you walk and talk with these people everyday...

anonymous · Answer

People brhave in a de-individualised manner " decreased self-evaluation and decreased evaluation apprehension causing antinormative and disinhibited behavior" (wikipedia)