Can I not just set up a gmail account in a random name and use that?

I selected “Yes” and confirmed youtube to use my real name :(
Only because I had a can of coke and a mars bar in my system and was trigger happy at my keyboard.

yesteryears ricky lake audience member…..today’s youtube commenter.

I have issues with this enforced usage of personal identity on open public websites (besides the fact that without ID scans it is completely unenforceable)

I should state that have nothing to hide, mind you neither did my friend who had a guy stalk her via Facebook and then in real life, who ended up trying to murder her. Facebook weren’t exactly helpful when she requested the guys info either – in fact they were very hard to make contact with at all. She had to delete her account, and create another – with a handle, for her *safety*. I guess no one is ever thinking of the negative consequences of sharing all your personal info with whomever happens to view it.

I don’t know whether it’s that there are more unhinged people on this planet than before, or if the Internet just brings them out of the woodwork, but looking through non-moderated comments sections on public websites, would lead you to believe there’s quite a few more than you would be aware of when you walk down the street.

The Internet has become the telescreens of 1984. Only “Big Brother” doesn’t need to spy on us, the majority of people are happy to just hand over every minute detail of their lives including where they are and where they are planning on going – other people can even “check you in” to places (location services are “opt out”), what injuries / ailments / weaknesses / insecurities they may have, even what some of them eat. That’s just ammunition to a stalker. Yes, you can set your Facebook to totally private, but the majority of users don’t bother, and some are on such a mission to gain “friends” that they will add anybody.

Privacy is one of the few rights we can still choose to exercise.. Most people just don’t realise how important it is. Until an employer or potential employer chooses to stalk your Facebook and sees those silly photos you put up on New Years, or your ex starts stalking you via places, or you say something on the Journal that some slightly unhinged person decides is worthy of going to your profile and checking you out (that happens a LOT on here – we can’t vet users, what if one is homicidal? You cannot be sure)

The Internet started out with handles.. It’s only since it became popular that people started sharing all of these personal details about themselves, which sadly they will find out at some point was a terrible mistake..

This is very upsetting, I only began trolling youtube yesterday and it’s forced me to use my Circles account :(

To be honest: Trolls will be Trolls.

Sure, you Might (doubtful though) be using their real name but that wouldn’t have any effect on the our troggs.

Damn!!! It was good while it lasted.

Good idea. I’m sick of people not using their real names.

There’s currently a bug with google plus linked accounts that prevents you from replying to comments on Youtube. Many people have unlinked their accounts in the past while because of this. They might want to fix this bug if they are gonna force people to link them again.

Now I presume they realise many people have the same name, right ;)

People thought twitter would be cleaner than most anonymous forums but it probably won’t be long before it’s just as bad.

youtube has been let run riot for a bit too long though I agree. I actually think it is affecting kids in everyday life as well – look at that bus video of kids abusing a woman in youtube like fashion. And anyone who plays online games knows how strong the abuse can be.

You want my real name?!

Ok, yes, no problem, my real name is, um, Slartibartfast….

Good, people should start using their real names. There is so much racism, homophobia & bigotry in the comments because people hide behind an alias.

no problem with that

I think this is a great idea. As things stand YouTube comments are mostly drivel. People who really don’t want to use their real name will find a way to do that, but hopefully this will clean the comments section up and bit and make it worth reading.

Brilliant – I do not like faker comments – show ya face :D