ANONYMITY
Someone says, “It’s anonymous. No one knows me.”
What assumption are they making?
They assume anonymity guarantees invisibility and removes accountability. In reality, platforms track IP addresses, device data, and behavioural patterns.
At what moment did risk first appear in the case study?
Risk began when they chose to download and engage with an unmoderated anonymous platform (or when they turned cameras on).
5 → 15 → 45 → 135
What operation is repeating?
Multiplying by 3.
What is one consequence of screen recording?
Creation of a permanent digital copy beyond the original user’s control.
Why is “No age verification” a red flag?
It signals weak regulation and increases exploitation risk.
You send a photo but hide your name. Are there any consequences?
Reverse image search can match the photo to social media profiles.
Background details (uniforms, certificates, landmarks).
Metadata in images.
Facial recognition tools.
Why was turning the camera on a high-risk decision?
It increases visual identification, recording potential, exposure to misuse, and loss of consent control.
Is this arithmetic or geometric growth? Explain.
Geometric progression, each term equals the previous term multiplied by a constant ratio (3).
Why is “friends only” not truly private?
Friends can screenshot, forward, leak, or lose account security. Privacy settings do not prevent redistribution.
What responsibility does a user have in anonymous spaces?
To protect personal data, respect consent, exit unsafe situations, and avoid amplifying harmful content.
Why does a screenshot significantly increase risk?
A screenshot creates a permanent, transferable copy outside your control. The content no longer depends on the original platform.
Identify ONE cognitive bias influencing the students.
Optimism bias (“Nothing bad will happen.”)
Peer pressure
Diffusion of responsibility
False sense of safety
Predict Minute 6.
5 × 3⁵ = 1215 views.
Which action creates the widest ripple effect?
Posting publicly, because of algorithm amplification, shareability, and search indexing.
(Forwarding without consent also acceptable if defended well.)
Would your decision change at age 17 vs 25? Why?
At 17, peer validation may dominate. At 25, career and long-term reputation become stronger considerations.
Define “Perceived anonymity” vs “Actual anonymity.”
Perceived anonymity = belief you cannot be traced.
Actual anonymity = true untraceability (rare due to digital footprints).
What was the MOST critical mistake?
Turning cameras on
Sharing identifying details
Assuming anonymity
Not exiting early
Why does exponential growth make deletion ineffective?
Once replicated across multiple independent users, deletion of the original does not remove existing copies.
Explain the difference between temporary embarrassment and digital permanence.
Temporary embarrassment fades socially; digital permanence remains searchable and replicable indefinitely.
Is “just for fun” an ethical justification?
No. Intent does not erase consequence. Harm and permanence exist regardless of motive.
Is true anonymity online ever possible? Defend your answer.
Extremely limited. Even without names, device fingerprints, IP logs, and behavioural data create traceable digital patterns.
If only ONE action had changed, everything could be prevented. What is it?
Not engaging with the unmoderated anonymous platform at all — prevention at the earliest stage stops the entire chain reaction.
At what point does control mathematically disappear?
When the rate of replication exceeds the ability of one individual to contain it, typically once distribution spreads beyond the original network.
How can digital harm extend beyond the original participants?
It can impact academic standing, employment, mental health, family reputation, and even legal consequences.
Complete this statement:
“Digital consent matters because ______.”
Because content outlives context and spreads beyond the control of the original participants.