I started my crypto journey 5 years ago without any knowledge of blockchain technology. The goal was to make some money creating poems and think pieces, and luckily, the blockchain afforded me that opportunity. I did not think much of the pros and cons of being a content creator on a blockchain where my thoughts and opinions are captured permanently. In hindsight, I should have given it much more thought.
There is a popular quote that the internet never forgets, but that's nothing compared to the way and matter the blockchain remembers. It is not easy but with some resources and technical knowledge, you can clear your digital blueprint (to some degree). However, this is not possible on the blockchain. Whatever you do here (on hive) stays here forever. It took me this long to understand the gravity of this statement. For as long as someone is willing to run the hive node your data will be online.
## THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE.
Unlike Web 2 platforms where you have the luxury of deleting posts or taking down accounts, on a blockchain that's not possible. It is impossible to compromise the data for whatever reason–good or bad. So whatever opinion or action you have carried on the chain, it is recorded permanently.
So I understand people's scepticism towards using SocialFi. I would have had second thoughts if I knew and cared about my digital footprint as much as I do now. I would have chosen to be anonymous over being doxxed.
## NO PRIVACY
A blockchain is simply a public ledger, meaning it is accessible to anyone. This can be a good and bad thing. For someone with nefarious intentions, It doesn't take much to profile an account and everyone affiliated with it on the blockchain. God forbid, but if there was a hit on my head today, it would be pretty easy to find me.
Also, my account value is public information. This is the type of information people in Web 2 want to keep private for security reasons. Many of us here might be indifferent to the fact that our financial details are public on Hive now because the platform is relatively small but when it does go mainstream I am sure most people would move the value in their current account into an alt (anonymous) account
Nevertheless, blockchains being open and public ensures that bad actors are easy to track. This protects the value everyone holds on the chain. Also, it is not compulsory to hold so much value on one chain if you value your privacy.
As earlier mentioned, you can spread value across chains in anonymous accounts.
## ANONYMITY IS GOLD
Anonymity in the digital is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has led to many inventions and revolutions, as individuals or groups have been able to use their faceless digital identity to create something good for the world which would be near impossible if they had their real identity attached to those said projects or movements.
Being anonymous online affords you the luxury racially profiled and about the prejudice that comes with being from a certain culture or region. I still believe my Hive would have been a lot different if people did not know my identity. Certain opportunities would have come my way that did because of my location and the colour of my skin. It is not something I mourn about but a reality I have accepted (in some way).
## PERK OF BEING DOXXED
Being doxxed on a blockchain means that people can trust you, and that for people is more valuable than a coin stake. Doxxing means you are staking your reputation and identity on the blockchain. It reassures people that you have something to lose if you act shady on-chain.
However, being doxxed guarantees nothing, especially for the parties relying on trust. There have been many instances in the past where people who are doxxed carry out fraudulent activities on-chain. Trust is not enough, hence why we create trustless protocols and smart contracts that guarantee the safety of the parties involved.
## CONCLUSION
I do not regret of digital journey. Being an early adopter of technology comes with its pros and cons. I would do things differently if I had the chance. This doesn't mean being doxxed is bad per se, I just value the idea of being anonymous more.
What's your take on the matter? Share with me in the comment section
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