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More Folks Using Their Real Names in Online 'Handles'

by Terrence O'Brien on May 11, 2009 at 05:03 PM



If you're old enough to remember the early days of the Internet, then you probably remember having an account or two with a convoluted user name made up of some combination of words and numbers -- for example, we spent many hours chatting on AOL's Instant Messenger as 'ninjaturtle87.' Back in the late '90s, these handles gave a sense of anonymity to online interaction, and were believed to be essential safety measures against potential predators and identity thieves.

But now, the Internet has mutated into an essential tool for networking, marketing, and business. As a result, people are shifting away from random collections of numbers and letters and are now using their real names, at least if this Columbia News Service article is to be believed. Look around Twitter and Facebook -- how many people do you know going by the name 'QtGrrrl1978' anymore?


We think it's a good idea to use your real name online, because it lends a certain amount of accountability to your online activities -- plus, it makes you easier to find. One of the many uses of social networking services (like Facebook or Twitter) is to track down old friends and long-lost family members. If you go by a string of nonsensical characters, then how is you 4th cousin-twice-removed every going to find you and tell you that he's going to appear on 'Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?'

Unless you've got something you really need to hide, you have every reason to stake a claim to your real name on as many sites and services as possible. Of course, if you do have something to hide, perhaps its better not to do it online anyway -- electronic records are tough to beat in court. [From: Columbia News Service/AJC.com]

Tags: handle, online IDs, OnlineIds, top, trends, user names, UserNames

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