"Anonymous not Secret: The Ethics of Sharing and Transparency" Socrates Cafe Friday Online.

"Anonymous not Secret: The Ethics of Sharing and Transparency" by John Scott Wren & ChatGPT

I had the privilege of working for the Privacy Foundation during its early days, right after the tragic events of 9/11. This was a time when discussions about personal privacy and the unwanted gaze of surveillance were becoming more critical than ever. At the same time, Robert Putnam's work, "Bowling Alone," was shedding light on the decline of social capital and the importance of meaningful connections.

In addition to my involvement with the Privacy Foundation, I'm an active member of a 12-step recovery program. The principles of anonymity and sharing openly are central to the success of these programs. We understand that anonymity can be a powerful tool for healing and recovery. It creates a safe space for individuals to open up without fear of judgment.

However, the question we face tonight is when does sharing openly help and when does it potentially harm those involved? Not everyone deserves access to our most personal thoughts and experiences. We must choose our confidants carefully, understanding that the friends we keep can profoundly impact our lives. As the saying goes, "First, we make our friends, and then our friends make us."

But is it ethical to "check references" with new friends, as if making an employment decision? While it may sound unconventional, there is merit in considering the backgrounds and intentions of those we allow into our inner circle. It's not about passing judgment but ensuring that our trust is well-placed.

In recovery, sharing is not only encouraged but expected. Anonymity is crucial to creating a comfortable environment where individuals can share openly without fear. However, this anonymity serves a specific purpose: to protect participants from unknown predators who may exploit the vulnerability of recovery groups to spot potential victims.

So, the question becomes: How do we strike a balance between the ethical need for anonymity and the necessity of trust in our relationships? Tonight, I invite you to explore this intricate topic and share your thoughts on when and how we should navigate the fine line between being anonymous and keeping our secrets.