Disqus has recently analysed nearly 500,000 comments made through its platform and concluded that users acquiring fake names or pseudonyms leave out better comments than those who actually use real names. This does not mean that one starts using a fake name in order to be counted in a higher quality group or that if one uses a real name and happen not to make any sense, then he or she can opt to hide behind a fake online identity.

What it all means is that anonymity makes people more comfortable in expressing their opinions openly than they otherwise would if they were to be identified with their real names. Sometimes people do express what is that needs to be said when they know they won’t be judged. This is one major reason why people do not want to be recognized and use pseudonyms so that they could say whatever they want to.

According to Disqus, 61% of the commentators use pseudonyms, 35% remain anonymous and only 4% use their real identity online through their Facebook or Twitter accounts. Not only do these people using other names make better comments but they also tend to “Like” stories and pass them on.

However, the debate still remains whether a user should be allowed to remain anonymous on websites or he or she should use a real online identity. With Facebook’s Comments Box growing on every website, it seems like it would be hard to remain unidentified. What does it say about online debating environment is anyone’s guess.

Quality Signals by Identity