I strongly disagree with it generally being dumb to (unanonymously) raise your voice on a topic that might cause you problems in the future. It's a consideration of priorities and going "this is my name and I stand up for xy" (maybe by a coworker even) is usually more impactful than some anon accounts or persona. Of course it might impact your career or whatever, but for some people it's worth the potential consequences.

I too use (semi) anonymous accounts for different things, but I don't go "neutral" at work or anywhere really. Most political organizations won't work with only anons (Anonymous is an exception). Saying using your real name for "controversial" politics stuff is dumb? Hard no.

Also, which topics are controversial and which aren't is always subject to change. Maybe she lives somewhere where transphobic positions will help her? She's rightfully gone from this position and I wish transphobia would be a unacceptable everywhere but it isn't and she might find other people/orgs/position where it's a benefit even.

[–] atro_city@fedia.io 2 points 7 hours ago

I guess we disagree, but I'm not going to stop people from voicing their opinions and linking them to their official identities.

The problem with the internet is that it doesn't always forget. That's exactly why I do my best to keep my accounts separate. However, yes, semantic analysis could demask me in the future, who knows. At least it'll give me the opportunity to say "that's not my account". If something is officially linked to my account, my "genius" thoughts will be bound to me and could easily be found by friends, foes, employers, whatever.

What I'm getting at is: privacy is important. Giving it up should be carefully considered, not simply done by default or thoughtlessly or "because everyone does it".