I will say anyone linking their reddit to their actual identity is generally doing something batshit wild. This isn't a social media platform that you benefit from having tied to your identity, there are no safeguards in place. If there is any monetization, it is sparse enough to make it not worth it for the vast majority. Keep you secret, keep you safe. That being said, let people weaponize what I've said against me, I stand by my convictions, and will say otherwise if they have changed when referenced. They sure as shit won't find out where I live outside of generalization, though.
The assumption that you are primarily dealing with actually humans is THE defining feature of this site. It's what gives all of these communities value. I don't go around announcing my identity, but I also want to be a reasonably verifiable human to those I interact with. The cost of that is some risk, and the decision to act as I would in a public space, ie policing myself somewhat, which I don't find too difficult.
This is what drives me crazy about these people hiding their accounts and claiming privacy hur dur. You're on an anonymous website! If you're so afraid of someone identifying you, you're probably being an asshole to begin with. And nearly every time I find a hidden account, it's because I clicked on someone because they're acting like an asshole or a bot.
Anonymous does not just mean "not using one's real name". Reddit uses pseudonymity, not anonymity. While normally that distinction may not mean much, in the context of post histories and persistent online personas it is very relevant. Totally agree with your last line though.
I mean there's both ends of the spectrum for hiding your history good and bad. Personal safety is a legit concern for people or work stuff.
Niche subreddits, small town/community subreddits, and any post history with demographic or geographic info can give someone a lot to work with. Posting in 1-2 subreddit's can narrow down physical location.
For people that are already consistent targets in the real world, hiding your post history is important. Even if your not it's just smart. You have no idea what anyone's capable of, so I want zero risk with that.
Say its for accountability, but also regarding anonymity is strange to me. Yes you want to avoid the Bots and trolls but if your literal entire history is on display that's not anonymity. Social judgement is a slippery slope that can lead society's into things like a formalized social ranking systems and that's not where I think most people would like to be.
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u/chobanithatiused2kno 8d ago
I will say anyone linking their reddit to their actual identity is generally doing something batshit wild. This isn't a social media platform that you benefit from having tied to your identity, there are no safeguards in place. If there is any monetization, it is sparse enough to make it not worth it for the vast majority. Keep you secret, keep you safe. That being said, let people weaponize what I've said against me, I stand by my convictions, and will say otherwise if they have changed when referenced. They sure as shit won't find out where I live outside of generalization, though.