Pseudonym

A pseudonym or alias is a 2nd or alternative name used by a person to identify themselves, usually such that they expect other people to believe that it is their real name. Whilst an internet alias is a form of alias, it is generally considered to be very different, in that an internet alias is not usually confused with a person's real name.

Legitimate reasons for creating a pseudonym

• Have 2 or more given names and wish to be known by another name. (e.g. Michael John Smith may wish to be known as John Smith).
• Was given a birth name that later seems to be inappropriate, but are not able to change their name legally yet (i.e. too young still).
• Have a name that is culturally insensitive in a community that you are living in (and hence may later change your name back).
• May be living in a country where you cannot legally change your name, hence can only legally adopt a pseudonym.
• A stage name for a pornographic star, so that their activities do not hurt their real life if they later wish to change careers.
• A stage name for an actor, perhaps because their real name is not interesting enough.
• A stage name for a wrestler (e.g. "The Rock"), singer (e.g. "Pink" or "Slash") or other star.
• An alias for an author, so that they can write novels/stories that are not the same kind of work.
• For cultural reasons, you may have 2 or more names to indicate different roles within the community/culture.

There are a variety of other legitimate reasons for creating a pseudonym.

Illegitimate reasons for creating a pseudonym

• So that you can commit crimes.
• So that you can be employed under age if working in a place where an age limit is required (e.g. pornography, bar tending, and some other jobs requiring age limits).
• So as to conduct illegitimate business dealings and trick people out of their money.

Comparison to internet alias

An internet alias can be created for the same legitimate or illegitimate reasons as a pseudonym. Critics of the use of internet aliases, such as Daniel Brandt in relation to Wikipedia imply that all internet aliases are for illegitimate purposes. The problem with this concept is that the main need to create an internet alias is because you go to sites, be they for games or chat, and you must choose a unique name to identify yourself - you can't use your real name because that name might be taken, so you create an internet alias. This does not mean that you are hiding. In many cases it is the opposite - you will often be creating an unusual alias that only one person in the world has ever used, unlike your real name (especially if your real name is John Smith or something common).