The Evolution of Communication

Facebook has revolutionized the way we maintain our social connections. According to MIT researcher Judith Donath, this shift from traditional, close relationships to more numerous, loosely-affiliated connections is an evolutionary development driven by our increasing mobility. Intriguingly, social platforms such as Facebook meet our fundamental human need for social interaction in our modern, fast-paced world.

The Intersection of Social Media and AA

With the growth of these platforms, it’s not uncommon for AA members to “friend” each other, logging in daily to keep up with the latest updates from their sober peers. However, an important question emerges: “Are we communicating in a way that respects another’s desire to remain anonymous concerning AA?”

Navigating Anonymity in the Digital Age

The issue of anonymity is crucial as Facebook and similar platforms are essentially public forums. Here, a wide array of “friends”, potentially including coworkers, family members, and future employers, can view our interactions and potentially draw conclusions about our affiliations. Anonymity breaches, intentional or not, happen regularly on these platforms.

Respecting Anonymity: A Guideline

Perhaps these breaches occur due to a lack of understanding about the public nature of social media rather than disrespect for a person’s wish for anonymity. A useful guideline before posting or responding on any social media is to ask: “Would it be okay if this communication was printed on the front page of the newspaper and archived for years?”

Practicing Restraint for the Sake of Anonymity

Practicing restraint of tongue and pen can be valuable in this context. It’s important that anonymity, a cornerstone of our spiritual principles, maintains its rightful place in our online interactions.