TOPIC:

Hi...Although I agree with Eader1987 and Woudde30, there's another aspect that I like to highlight with regard to protecting privacy, confidentiality and anonymity online. While anonymity can be a contributing factor in maintaining security online, anonymity itself may not offer security online. Also in most cases what users require is securing their personal information while online, which can be easily achieved through enabling security features in your browser. So maintaining anonymity all the time may not be necessary. Yet, there is no harm in taking all the extra measures to keep yourself secure while online.

I feel that the decision should be made by the participant. He should decide whether he wants to remain anonymous or not when it comes to the study concerned.

I personally feel its always better to maintain anonymity so that the respondent feel more secure. Also if the topic of discussion is a sensitive topic, maintaining anonymity is even more crucial.

I think the whole issue about anonymity is that it puts the research respondent or the participant at ease.

Is it always necessary to collect data in an anonymous environment?