The web, where everybody knows your name

This just in from our college correspondent Nicole Norfleet, who is apparently feeling a little exposed:

The internet is getting more and more exclusive. Web sites are pushing you to divulge your personal information in order to become a member of their "online communities." If you go to a news web site they want you to register as a user. If you go to a blog they want you to create some kind of nickname to post comments. If you participate in a social networking site then they want you to have your own profile with photos and interests and, God save us, friends.

Whatever happened to anonymity? Every place you go you are forced to identify yourself (your age, your home address, your email). Some sites are still crazy enough to even ask how you got there. Were you referred by a friend or a print ad?

Many people fell in love with the internet because it always felt like you were wanted, that everyone wished to be your friend. People who had no clue who you really were or what you looked like wanted you to join their little circle of online buddies. They wanted you to share and to comment. It seemed like they actually cared about what you thought and valued your presence. Even if you just frequented a chat room where people talked about their pet pythons at least in this digital microcosm you felt like you belonged.

Now, it feels like I'm at the club door and I can hear the loud music, but I have to constantly fumble around for my ID to get let in. I just don't see the point when I can make up all the information anyway as long as I give a legitimate email address.

The self-identification trend probably won't stop. In order for anyone to make money off the web they have to identify who frequents their sites. I can't wait until the day when people are using only one avatar or digital representation of themselves to surf the web. These online profiles of ourselves could serve as our public identity badges so that we don't have to constantly make up answers to questions to get access to the party.

BTW: Use BugMeNot.com to avoid having to always register on popular sites like The Washington Post and YouTube. Just enter the URL address and they will give you a username and password for the site.

. □