Opinions are split on the idea of using real names online, with many questioning the security risks that come with it.
Accordingly, most social networks simply require usernames that aren't actual names themselves. Even sites that urge the use of real names, like Facebook, still have ways to get around the real-name issue.
Accordingly, most social networks simply require usernames that aren't actual names themselves. Even sites that urge the use of real names, like Facebook, still have ways to get around the real-name issue.
However, Google recently created a stir by suspending Google+ accounts that didn't use their real names.
Naturally, those whose personal brands were built on fake names (pseudonyms, blog names, etc.) were up in arms over the exclusion. However, I personally felt this issue would go through the same phases that practically all of these social media controversies do:
- Polarizing decision by company
- Angry mob of users
- Retraction and resolution by company
Basically, when users start making a lot of noise, the social networks eventually makes concessions.
Not so in this case. In fact, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt was recently interviewed, more or less saying the if you don't like their policy, then don't use Google+. It's definitely not the typical fence-straddling corporate-speak we tend to get in response to contentious decisions, but it is a firm line the Google is drawing in regards to the use of real names online.
Either way, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out as Google+ continues to push for social networking legitimacy.