Back in 2022, the Philippine government proposed the SIM Card Registration Act. One controversial aspect of the initial version of the Act was its requirement for all Filipino citizens to use their real names, instead of fictitious ones on social media. While this provision was later scrapped, the mere suggestion of eliminating online anonymity was alarming.
“Anonymity” is a word that exudes obscurity, a barren slate, or simply being unknown. In the digital world, anonymity is usually seen in a bad light, and for good reason. It is frequently exploited by spammers, scammers, harassers, bots, and troll farms. It removes the paper trail to a real person, allowing bad actors to act as they please without real consequences to the person behind the screen. As a result, some argue that policies like real-name registration would curb cybercrime. However, it would have done little to deter this problem while exposing everyday citizens to greater risks.
In reality, anonymity can be much more than a tool for deception. It can also be a positive means of self-expression, protection, and even employment.
The digital world offers a vast array of ways to define one’s self and demeanor, divorced from real-life implications. Similar to a blank canvas, that persona can be tailored to one’s true self, or it can be presented as larger than life.
Nowhere is this more evident than with the rise of “VTubers” or virtual YouTubers. As the name suggests, these are “YouTubers” of some sort but they are presented using virtual avatars, usually styled after Japanese anime characters. Their personas are often a fusion of idol culture and YouTuber sensibilities. These VTubers have taken over the internet and the real world, with an entire industry forming around them.
Dedicated fan bases have emerged around VTubers. These individuals come together to build communities and shared spaces. The communities produce a multitude of fanworks in dedication, with some projects being a combined effort of hundreds. With some notable fan works being on the biggest screens around the world.
This dedication stems from the authenticity that emerges from the talents behind the VTuber. Many would argue that this is all superficial and that they are merely roleplaying as characters. To a degree, I would agree but I would also take into account the authenticity of their impact.
However, even within these positive communities, there are bound to be some bad apples. There are individuals who seek to uncover or “doxx” the personalities behind the VTubers, either out of genuine curiosity or malicious intent.
The issue of doxxing is not limited to VTubers. Activists, whistleblowers, and journalists may deliberately hide their identities in order to protect themselves and speak truth to power. Members of marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, have long relied on anonymity to give opinions, representations, or stances that would otherwise be shunned in their local context.
On a more personal level, I have extensively utilized online anonymity to grow my skill set and connections. As a participant in numerous VTuber projects, I have seen my works displayed on the biggest screens in the world. Additionally, I have contributed to some of the most popular games, had my personal projects be viewed by hundreds of thousands, and connected with industry professionals all because online anonymity encouraged me to experiment.
I do not prefer not to attach my real name to my work, and would rather my screen name instead. This is not deception; it is a choice. I adopt the mindset of having the work and skills speak for themselves, rather than the identity behind them, just as I am doing in this piece with the byline.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that we should blindly trust anonymous individuals on the internet. We should always have a healthy dose of skepticism. However, we should also embrace and fight for our right to privacy and anonymity. Anonymity is not inherently dangerous; it is how people use it that determines its impact. We need to allow ourselves to indulge in the magic of being another identity or mask, one that may be closer to our real selves rather than the physical forms we inhabit.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Spoof 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSSpoof2025.
