Facebook policy requires every user to employ their real name, a requirement which perplexes those with pseudonyms. According to the site, using real names allows Facebook to hold users accountable when it comes to harassment or other threats.
Many drag queens however, build a livelihood from spreading recognition of their stage names. When Little Miss Hot Mess got her Facebook taken down, she contended the decision, claiming that Facebook has no right to tell her what defines a "real" name.
Other critics point out that Facebook depends on selling personal information. Having a real name attached to a Facebook account, they say, will enable Facebook to sell this information in a more convenient fashion.
Should Facebook enforce its real name policy? Or is protecting Facebook users more important? What is the real issue here? (Does it really boil down to advertising?)
7 comments:
I hope I'm not the only one who's experienced some confusion on Facebook when it comes to scrolling through my news feed and suddenly seeing a post by someone named Starlight TheCatsPajamas (yes, this is real, and no, that is not her real name). It certainly took some time spent scrolling through her profile pictures to figure out just who she really was and whether I actually knew her. Looking at these types of occurrences, one could argue that having a completely fake name on a social networking site presents some complications when it comes to the person's identity, which is exactly what Facebook is arguing here when they claim to be protecting their clientele from potential cyberbullying from those who hide behind fake screen names. Aside from the more innocuous name-changing, there are definitely some issues for those who depend heavily on identifying themselves gender-wise and, similarly, name-wise. Those who are transgender certainly have the right to change their name because of how they identify with themselves. There is also the possibility of someone who would like to physically change his/her gender but is still or has yet to start or may never afford the sex change operation, but who still identifies as the opposite sex and would like to change their name on Facebook before they legally have it changed. Overall, I think that Facebook needs to adjust their policies when it comes to name-changes in order to account for these possibilities as well as the similar situations concerning drag queens. The real issue here isn't just conflict in advertising - it's Facebook interfering with identification on a personal level.
I think this is a rather complicated issue due to several reasons. Of course these is the point that Murray brought up and Oma elaborated upon: allowing "non-real" names is more inclusive to the drag/transgender community, and it is important that we do not invalidate their identities by telling them what they can or cannot call themselves. However, I think one huge advantage to this real name requirement is that it would potentially prevent again sexual predators hiding under false identities; that is, if Facebook is able to properly reinforce this policy. That is yet another concern of mine: how exactly will they be able to ensure that this policy has proper reinforcement? I can see where Facebook is trying to go with this requirement, but I think for now, it is too flawed to be plausible.
Yes, I agree with both Vivian and Oma that this is a complicated issue because many people don't understand why someone would want to identify with another name than the one they were given at birth. I feel this real name requirement is ironic because although it is supposed to protect against "harassment or other threats" online, I feel the requirement is an affront to the cyber safety of those who are not cisgender (cisgender=straight). While Facebook brings up some good points that the policy would help hold cyber-bullies accountable for their actions and attach a real name to the perpetrator, it comes off as very heteronormative. I think Facebook's first priority is to make sure it isn't a hostile site for the LGBTQ community if they are so concerned about cyber safety.
And perhaps the real problem isn't a social debate but whether or not Facebook should be selling personal information. I believe most of the information we put in our profiles such as relationship statuses, locations, and interests, will decide which advertisements pop up on the screen. If this new policy is simply a plot to obtain money more easily, Facebook certainly didn't think through the social implications towards LGBTQ folk.
I just wanted to clarify that drag queens are not transgender. It is a term denoting those who perform and earn money for being a gender illusionist, which brings me back to the point that this isn't really a social issue but rather a financial issue. Facebook has dollar bills in its eyes and it makes sense that allowing people to use pseudonyms is against their business policy.
I agree with the fact that Facebook is interfering with one's right to identification. People can identify with whatever name they choose, be it their birth name or not. The real name policy limits a certain community because they don't identify with their real name-especially in the transgender or drag queen community. (Yes they are different but they both don't typically use their birth names). People should ultimately have the freedom to have their Facebook names be whatever they want. Especially since Facebook should be a personal web page where one can be open about his or her identity.
Of course this issue is way more complicated and Facebook does have its reasons for this rule. The internet is not a safe place as it is home to a vast majority of trolls, cyber bullies, and sex offenders. If everyone were to have their legal name, it would be a lot easier to catch dangerous or harmful people. As Murray mentioned in the post, Facebook does have its advertising motives. In the world where Big Data is becoming more relevant, collecting information on possible consumers is a huge industry at the moment. Having real names only makes that easier.
As I mentioned above, Facebook should be a personal place where people are comfortable being themselves. However, I don't think that is how Facebook is now. It is cluttered with advertisements and this real name policy only makes it less personal for people. Facebook should take a step back and think about what their main goal was in beginning. Maybe then
I think Facebook unquestionably has the right to have their policy of requiring full real names. Logically, it does eliminate the possibility of cyber bullying and possible gun school shooting threats that come with anonymity online. Nobody can be held accountable. Facebook is a private organization. Nobody is required to have a facebook, they sign up willingly. When signing up, you adhere to their terms and conditions. If you don't like their terms and conditions, then you don't check the little box, and you don't create an account. Facebook is a Private organization and can make whatever rules it wants. You have absolutely no obligation to adhere to them; just cancel your account.
I'm finding it more difficult to sympathize with the drag queens on this issue. While I fully support people's right to identify as whoever they like, Facebook is doing this from a business point of view, not from an offensive one. As Murray said, drag queens are often mistakenly confused with transgender people. Facebook actually has a very open policy when it comes to their gender listings. They have the "custom" option on their gender category, and allow people to choose if they want to be identified as "him," "her" or neither. Considering that policy, I cannot say that facebook is trying to wage a war against the LGBT community. They are simply enacting a policy that enhances their business motives, and is not meant to attack anybody.
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