Research

People use an anonymous or fictitious name in online communication to express their ideas and opinions without any fear; on the other hand, others exploit this opportunity to communicate unethically.  

I found an interesting e-book called Wild West 2.0, which stated that "Online anonymity also empowers lonely, troubled and spiteful attackers to say things they would never say in person"(Fertik &Thompson, 2010, p.63). Conversely, I believe that a factious name give a chance to an internet user to speak up against injustice without fear of retaliation. My position supported by The Economist's article as  " in various countries, online journalists and activists continues to be jailed, beaten or killed for expressing views that are unpopular with either the government or the religious authorities" (L.G, 2012, para. 8).  I think online journalists and activist can avoid false accusations from undemocratic, unjust institutions and governments by using fictitious name.

We also need to understand some people may continue to behave unethically as Fertik and Thompson (2010) argued "Malicious gossip, rumor, and slander are as old as human society. Ancient texts are filled with stories of whispered conversations and false allegations" (p.101).

                                    References:

Fertik, M. & Thompson, D. (2010). Wild West 2.0. Broadway, New York. American Management Association. Retrieved from http://library.mtroyal.ca:2053/lib/mtroyal/docDetail.action?docID=10399545&p00=online%20communication%20anonymity%20pseudonym

L.G (2012, March 29). The internet in the Middle East. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/03/internet-middle-east#comments