By Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri

July 2025

In an age where free speech is under constant scrutiny and truth is often drowned out by noise, Facebook’s decision to allow anonymous posting in community groups is not just misguided—it’s dangerous.

Let’s be clear: anonymity on the internet has long been a double-edged sword. While it can protect whistleblowers and marginalized voices in oppressive regimes, in the context of local discussion groups and community forums, it has become a shield for cowards, bullies, and misinformation peddlers. Allowing anonymous posts on a platform already plagued with divisiveness only emboldens the worst actors.

If someone has a concern, an opinion, or a criticism—stand behind it. Own it. The foundation of a healthy civic society is accountability. Anonymous posts invite unsubstantiated attacks, half-truths, and reckless accusations without consequence. They allow people to sling mud from the shadows while others are expected to respond publicly and respectfully. That’s not a fair playing field—it’s digital vandalism.

In local towns like ours, Facebook groups are often treated as the modern-day town square. Residents share updates, concerns, ideas, and sometimes frustrations. But unlike the actual town square, where a person must show their face and name when speaking, Facebook has now allowed a pathway for whispers in the dark.

Constructive discourse cannot thrive in the shadows. If you want to be part of the conversation, attach your name to your words. If you have something worth saying, you should have the courage to say it out loud. Real progress, real problem-solving, and real leadership require real people—standing up, not hiding.

Facebook should reconsider this policy. And communities like ours should reject the normalization of anonymous rhetoric. Let’s return to a culture where words carry weight—because the speaker is willing to stand behind them.