The internet is an incredibly prevalent part of everyone’s life in the world. it has certainly become a necessity for alot of people in 1st world countries such as America and the UK. People rely on it for work, information, finding jobs, and entertainment. However, the internet when it was not as used, was not as essential as it was today. While people used it for multiple purposes, it was not as mainstream so to speak. Before Facebook and Social Media, people were essentially anonymous.

Anonymity was a major selling point for many people in the beginning stages for the internet. Usernames did not have to be their actual names. So YouTube was filled with multiple variations of names and still is, and Myspace was just the same. However, it especially changed when Facebook became popular. Social Media switched the internets anonymous posting to one where your account can be linked to you, and found by your employers and friends. And the internet is a large place, and erasing something that’s linked to you is next to impossible.

Facebook is the most perfect example of how people are no longer anonymous. While it encourages people to reveal their identity, it is not necessary to post stuff on Facebook. But, this is a blatant lie. Facebook collects data from every single account. It tracks the posts you like, other accounts you follow, and even the hobbies that you might be interested in. It then uses this data to sponsor ads accordingly to your supposed preference. It also sells your data to other companies to then sponsor more stuff to you on your feed. They know everything about you. From the food you might like, to your friends, to the job you work at. Even if you reveal nothing to Facebook, they have everything about you.

Ever since the popularity of Social Media, posting something controversial can essentially destroy your entire life. One mistake can ruin a career. A good example of this is Kevin Hart. He was supposed to host the Oscars, and many people were excited. However, some were also trying to found ways to ruin his chance, and they did. They found posts that he made years ago being homophobic in nature, despite Kevin Hart himself making a statement that he regrets what he said and who he was before. Despite this, the internet poured out and outraged against him, forcing him to step down from hosting the Oscars.

The internet has changed quite a bit over time, and quite quickly. Peoples anonymity was quickly taken away, and everything we post will forever be there. The internet, while a great place to share and connect with people, is a dangerous place if you are not careful.