When it comes to questionnaire responses, especially for controversial topics, if given the option of being anonymous the amount of total responses increases by 30%. Anonymity itself is a controversial topic based on the morals and stigma surrounding it.
Due to most anonymous responses being for specifically sensitive topics, it poses an important debate. Is the importance of having more accurate and open responses worth the lessened accountability that comes with anonymity.
In school settings, a majority of students see little to no problem with it especially when it impacts their social life.
“It’s important for people to not be able to judge you based on their opinions on the person speaking,” said Samantha Beauchamp, 10.
For the more controversial questions, if certain responses are discovered by peers, it could lead to criticism, bullying, and even more negative impacts. Many students value this anonymity for questions about drugs, bullying, and any other situation where their responses could cause negative backlash. It also helps erase the already active precedent of what is known about people.
“With being anonymous, you don’t have as much bias toward a specific person,” said Wren Zerr, 10.
Since high school is filled with petty dramas and life changing relationships, oftentimes removing names and faces helps responses be more heard and taken into account. Due to being anonymous, people can truly get their message or responses out without it being overshadowed by their prior identity.
Outside of school though, opinions begin to shift. Once into the rest of the world, these repercussions increase tenfold, meaning anonymity is seen more often and is more acceptable when it comes to possibly life-changing situations.
“If you’re reporting something really important like a crime or violent crime, [anonymity] is important so you don’t get murdered, and for things like this to get all of the different answers or opinions,” said Aubrey Corn, culinary teacher.
In high school, the most drastic outcomes to a response would be a disciplinary referral, a ruined reputation, and possibly getting grounded.
Once into adulthood, anonymity is used prominently for reporting crimes. The repercussions of these responses if not anonymous could be as serious as even death.
“It’s important to be anonymous so that bad people don’t find you like weird people, creeps, people who want to stalk you, groomers, and pedophiles,” said Wyatt Shaffer, 10.
Outside of threats on life, threats to friends and family can happen, and jobs and money can get caught in the crossfire as well.
Even with anonymity lessening accountability, a majority of people agree that it is implemented for the greater good and possibly saving many their reputations, safety, and future.
