Meet Hazem. He created an IPhone/Android App called Vibe, which allows users to speak anonymously with people in their general area. Think: movie theaters, concerts, protests. 

The user can control how far his/her voice is heard. You can choose to speak and listen anonymously to the people on your block, or expand your range to include everyone in your city. Hazem explains that the App was used by Zuccotti Park protestors who wanted to have private conversations about sensitive internal issues, such as theft and cleanliness. 

I think his App brings up an interesting issue: does the wired world need more anonymity? It serves a useful purpose in repressive countries, but I think anonymity on the internet generally brings out the worst in people. 

One of the reasons I value Facebook is that it forces people to “claim” their commentary. It seems to keep the discourse (relatively) more civil. Though there are some sensitive exceptions, I feel that generally, if you don’t feel comfortable “owning up” to your words, you probably shouldn’t be speaking them.

Try Vibe for yourself at http://zami.com/vp