I'm really pushing for the "why" here.
...
I'm more concerned with the general question of real identity vs an alias, rather than specifics over the implementation or execution of either.
Anonymity.
Obviously you can't be 100% anonymous, but that additional level of protection gives you that little bit more freedom. Sometimes that means you've got freedom to be a cunt, but it also means that you've got freedom to ask questions and think aloud in a way that you might not always be able to if any random browser can identify you. For eg why do we bother having a private section?
It might be different for younger people who have always lived in a Facebook world.
Anonymity.
Obviously you can't be 100% anonymous, but that additional level of protection gives you that little bit more freedom. Sometimes that means you've got freedom to be a cunt, but it also means that you've got freedom to ask questions and think aloud in a way that you might not always be able to if any random browser can identify you. For eg why do we bother having a private section?
It might be different for younger people who have always lived in a Facebook world.