Empirical analysis of online anonymity and user behaviors: the impact of real name policy

Abstract

As Internet media has become widely used over time, public opinions formed by Internet discussions affect political and social issues more critically. While Internet space guarantees equal status and opportunity based on anonymity, privacy invasion and cyber bully have been causing serious troubles recently. In order to prevent this undesirable effect, the South Korean government implemented the Real Name Verification Law in 2007 by which discussion participants must pass a verification process to post their opinions in most websites. This study examines the effect of this policy. Our findings suggest that the enhanced identification process shows significant effects on reducing uninhibited behaviors at the aggregate level, but there is no significant impact regarding a particular user's behavioral shift. In addition, the law is not associated with users' participation. This study contributes to online anonymity and privacy research area by using real world data and can shed light on useful implications to policy makers.