Integrity: The Victim of The Internet

A lot of people on the internet refuse to give out their identity. They keep behind a shield of anonymity, only putting out a username and a logo as their identity. It’s a great way to keep yourself safe, and it’s also a great way to act however you so choose.

The anonymity granted by the Internet provides true freedom to a writer. They can write whatever they want, wherever they want, and they don’t have to worry about the consequences. A writer can lash out against their boss in total secrecy, a blogger can criticise their government, a student can share the darkest secrets of their heart. But then comes the question of income and fame. Glory, reputation, integrity.

How far are you willing to go, how much of your integrity will you discard to make a name for yourself online? Sure, if that name is false and your ‘face’ is just a logo, then does it matter? So many writers online sell themselves out for money, through affiliate links or paid reviews. Sponsored blog posts and paid tweets. Why? Is it all for the money?

Sadly, yes. With most humans, their integrity as a writer comes second only to money. You may argue differently, but then why are you writing on Triond? Surely, if it was your reputation as a writer you cared about, you’d have your own website? Or at the very least a Livejournal. So why do you write on Triond, as the first thing anyone will see is the payment you receive. And Triond hardly has the best reputation itself. It’s no secret that many writers sell their integrity for the few dollars a month Triond offers. They spam links, lie and cheat. But it works, and who are we to judge them?

Truth is, it all depends on how one views their writing. If it’s a job, then one’s priority is their income, not their integrity. If it’s a hobby, with a side bonus of a small income, then you could be forgiven for the odd transgression against integrity. Not everyone who writes for income does it at the expense of their reputation and values.

Bloggers who take sponsored reviews are allowed to give wholly honest reviews, even if it’s a bad review. Are they still selling themselves out? Or are they just as stalwart in their defence of integrity as one who reviews free of charge? What about you, is your integrity intact, or have you left it shattered on the ground behind you in a quest for money?