Embracing Anonymity: Rediscovering the Power of Pseudonymity on X (Formally Twitter)
Returning to the Internet's Roots for Authenticity and Privacy
As a short interlude to my usual posting about my journey to full deprescription I thought it a good time to have a think and write about why I don’t use my real name on X (Formally Twitter) to tackle my specific niche of being an ex-patient, who has clearly experienced iatrogenic harms, conceded or not by the industry, and see how I can shed the whole debacle of getting caught up in the-system from an early age for a transient case of anxiety.
So in an era where personal privacy is increasingly compromised, I have chosen a path less travelled - embracing anonymity on X in regards to discussing mental health matters as only I know them in my ~20 years lived experience. Through my pseudonymous account and AI-stylised avatar (based on a real photo), I have experienced a liberating journey that rekindles the original spirit of the internet. This article delves into the motivations behind my decision and highlights the transformative benefits of anonymity and authenticity in the digital realm.
Embracing Anonymity: In a society where constant surveillance and judgment prevail, going incognito grants me a precious gift: privacy. It frees me from the shackles of societal expectations and enables me to express my thoughts and opinions without fear of personal repercussions. Through my pseudonymous account, I can explore ideas that might otherwise be stifled by norms or personal constraints. For example, I don’t need certain groups and cohorts of people knowing about my ‘campaign’ on Twitter hence I have a real name profile separate which has it’s own target audience and frankly, I spend far less time on it than I do this niche.
Rediscovering Authenticity: By shedding the weight of my real-life identity, I have uncovered a profound sense of authenticity. Each keystroke reveals a part of myself that might have remained hidden. Embracing a pseudonym allows me to be vulnerable and transparent, fostering genuine connections with like-minded individuals who value my thoughts for their essence rather than their association with my real name.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: In the digital realm of Twitter, I navigate as an enigma yet with real lived experience of serious and complex mental health issues to discuss and/or debate, harnessing the power of an AI-generated avatar. The visual representation of my actual photo digitally remixed in Matrix film style, crafted by technology, redirects the focus from physical appearances to the ideas I bring forth, the perspectives I offer, and the knowledge I share. It emphasises that my value lies in intellectual contributions, not the superficialities of appearance.
A Haven of Safety: Anonymity creates a sanctuary from the darker side of the digital world. By safeguarding my true identity, I mitigate the risk of becoming a target for online harassment or malicious intent. It shields my voice from those who seek to silence dissent or suppress creativity. Remaining incognito empowers me to express my opinions freely and engage in meaningful dialogue without the fear of personal attacks. In essence, the only way to ‘fight the system’ as an ex-patient is to do so in this way so that my in-real-life identity can reap the benefits without ties to my online dealing with others - a bit like incorporating a company of my other ‘self’ online to achieve a specific goal and to effectively begin afresh like one might expect when starting a new company separate from one’s personal liabilities and so on, so forth.
Unearthing Connections: Contrary to assumptions that pseudonymity hampers personal connections, I have discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the merits of anonymity. Engaging with others who have chosen a similar path allows for connections based on shared interests, ideas, and values. These connections, devoid of biases tied to personal identities, foster enriching and open-minded conversations.
Conclusion: My choice to go incognito on X represents a departure from the real name profiles I have embraced on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn etc. While the push for real names was hailed as a progressive step towards authenticity, it came with limitations and risks. Embracing my pseudonymity on a platform like X is a return to the core principles of the early internet, where privacy and the freedom to express oneself anonymously were treasured. It offers me a more balanced approach, recognising that my authenticity and individual privacy can coexist harmoniously. Going incognito empowers me to share my thoughts, beliefs, and passions without fear of damaging my reputation or facing repercussions. It creates a space where I can be true to myself without compromising the privacy and autonomy I inherently deserve. Let us rediscover the power of anonymity and embrace the transformative potential it holds in our digital lives.