Many years ago I heard lectures from a "net professional" about the unpredictability and impact of social networks. In undertones, one could hear that companies and even governments would be very concerned about how the mob would move out there on the net and what it would mean for brands and companies if these sudden events went net-wide. I guess they were afraid that the individual sitting at his screen typing whatever he felt like could trigger every possible viral effect. A little of that can be felt here too. Always the fear that something unforeseen could damage the reputation or the profitability. There is probably something to it. Gossip can apparently topple careers and companies. LOL
I myself am not sure that it is really so good that everyone can say everything and everywhere, but I do not see the solution in censoring or controlling when it is done in a way that also has its pitfalls. I don't know, many Pandora's boxes have been opened ...
I guess one shouldn't be under the misapprehension that one knows someone whose publications and comments one gets to read online.
Perhaps it is best to have some anonymity online. Like don't announce when you're going on vacation and make sure your address is rather ambiguous.
Yes, anonymity is something which gets precious. I remember the early days of the Internet. We were not thinking about anonymity and wanted to shout our names, brands and ideas to it. So many things changed with time. I canceled my online presences except this one.