Pseudonymity

Pseudonymity is the practice of using an assumed or pen name online — interacting under a consistent identity that isn't your legal name. It's distinct from full anonymity (where there's no consistent identity at all) and from real-name identity (where your legal name is known). Most of the internet historically operated pseudonymously — forum handles, screen names, pen names — before Facebook's real-name policy tried to change that norm.

What it means

Pseudonymity has a long and respected history: Benjamin Franklin wrote under pseudonyms. Mark Twain is a pen name. Most published research is conducted by people who want their professional identity associated with their work, not their home address. Online, pseudonymity lets people discuss sensitive topics — health conditions, political beliefs, religious doubts — without professional or personal risk.

The argument for real-name policies is accountability: people behave better when their identity is attached to their words. The argument for pseudonymity is safety and freedom: people speak more honestly when they're not risking their job or physical safety with every post.

How it works on Gab

Gab allows pseudonymous accounts. You don't have to post under your legal name. Gab's verified accounts are specifically for cases where confirming a real identity matters — public figures, journalists, organizations. For everyone else, a username is enough. This protects users from doxxing and employer retaliation for legal speech.

Related terms

Anonymity is the stronger form — no consistent identity. Doxxing is the attack on pseudonymity — revealing the real identity behind a username. Verified accounts are the exception to pseudonymous norms.