Hiding in Plain Sight

Anonymous, in this era? I don't think so. I have not traveled around the world, but what I do know is that in this jet age no one can stay or remain anonymous because that looks like a myth. Even though my country is still underdeveloped, if not everyone, what I do know is that most people now have the National Identification Number that we use for registering for things like mobile numbers, bank accounts, and NYSC. Even now, most of the young people are being told to get an NIN before they can be allowed to proceed with any registration. Now tell me if true anonymity is still possible?

And most people can even argue with what I am saying by saying that it is very easy to open a fake account with all sorts of names, ages, and unreal pictures and say anything they want, but they do not know that the way most apps work now is very different. Once you switch on some apps thinking that nobody knows who you are, your location is automatically registered and some data will be collected, and because you are silent online doesn't mean your presence is not there.

I have seen a lot of all these Instagram and X gossip pages that thought that nobody could identify them simply because they used some unique usernames, but as time goes on, they were tracked down by intelligent officials, and since like three to four of those accounts have been caught, the rest came out and they have reduced how they post to spoil people's identity. What most people do not know is that the internet takes record of everything, and it will never forget even when you and I might have forgotten.

And yet, some people always stay and choose to remain anonymous for a lot of good reasons, personal affairs, and even because of work, like those that do ghostwriting and even whistleblowers. Some might want the safety to speak up when they are being abused without fear of becoming a topic of discussion. In a country like mine where at times saying the truth might cost you a lot of things, it is better I stay anonymous for my personal safety.

But can we stay hidden forever online? My answer will be partially feasible. I can stay anonymous online for some time if I limit the things I say, the app I use, avoid using my real name, and use some strong and encrypted tools. But as soon as I stay active, the anonymity starts to fade and traces begins to follow.

And in this age where cameras are almost everywhere, if I choose to remain anonymous, it is just like walking around with the same person wearing the same white outfit. I feel the same with them but my intention is totally different.

But the real question that usually bothers me is why some people keep staying anonymous, thinking that they are invisible, because, left to me, we are in a digital age where eyes are everywhere, so if someone says they want to stay anonymous, it's just for a little time because the exposure comes up. And why should anyone stay anonymous if they are kind to humanity?

What I will just keep saying is that we should all be aware of the type of technology we use, the type of information we put on our socials because some things are meant to be kept private unlike today where some people put all their real life out there. And in a very nutshell, wisdom is profitable to direct as the bible says it. We should learn to strike the balance.

Thank you for reading.

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