Explain how CMC affords anonymity. Then, define and give an example of each of the four consequences of online anonymity (spoofing, spam, phishing, and cyberbullying)

What will be an ideal response?

CMC offers the possibility of withholding more aspects of your identity from public consideration than has ever before been possible. In short, we generally choose what we tell others about ourselves online.

Anonymity has consequences for how we communicate online. One of them is spoofing, or misrepresenting one's self online. An example of this would be if someone makes racist or offensive comments online.

Another consequence is spam, which are unwanted commercial messages and advertisements sent through e-mail. Most people receive spam on a daily basis from people and businesses trying to get them to buy everything from vacations to clothes.

Phishing is also a consequence of anonymity. Phishing happens when e-mail messages try to get consumers to give their banking and credit card information. For example, we see on the news how people who give their personal information have their identities stolen.

Last, cyberbullying can be the result of anonymity. This is the deliberate and repeated misuse of communication technology by an individual or a group to threaten or harm others. For example, people who engage in "flame wars," may be considered cyberbullying because they attack and say mean things to others online.