Anonymity and Self Disclosure on Weblogs
Qian and Scott (2007) pose questions about the difference between visual and discursive anonymity on weblogs and the relationship to the level of self disclosure.
I found the information regarding bloggers concerns (page 11) curious. Of the 207 surveyed, 87 people expressed concern that what they blogged about could negatively impact their lives. Of these 87 people, 42.53% choose to censor themselves. Does this mean the other 63% don't ?
The conclusion that discursive not visual anonymity is related to the amount of self disclosure is interesting. People who refrain from giving identification information are more likely to self disclose, free from the constrains of accountability. However as we and the web progress the ability to search and find connections between obscure sites becomes more prolific. "Oh what a tangled web we weave"
Deception or the intention of hiding behind a pseudonym can be a tricky thing
My curiosity revolves around the need for some people to disclose highly sensitive and personal information. What did we do before weblogs?
Are weblogs some form of a cathartic medium
I expect that some people find the writing and telling of their thoughts via weblogs (even if they are only intended for themselves) a release of some sort. A catalogue of feelings and thoughts to reflect upon.
I stumbled upon the following site as a result of my curiosity about the psychology that drives people to express private and sensitive matters via weblogs. It revolves around the "disinhibition effect" and i found it very interesting, you might too.

Suler,J . (2004) CyberPsychology and Behaviour
http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/disinhibit.html


Qian, H. , & Scott, C.R (2007) Anonymity and self-disclosure on weblogs. Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, 12(4) http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol12/issue4/qian.html