Anonymous vs. Pseudonymous Writing

Anonymous writing is when the author’s identity is intentionally hidden, making it impossible to determine who created the work. Pseudonymous writing involves a writer using a fictitious name or alias, known as a pseudonym, allowing them to maintain some level of anonymity while still being identified by that new name. While both protect the author’s identity, anonymity offers complete concealment, whereas pseudonymity provides a consistent, albeit fictional, identity that can be associated with the work. These approaches serve different purposes, such as privacy, freedom of expression, or creating a distinct persona.