If you're using eBay, for example, Send Social not only protects your identity, but I think it's just an easier way of doing what you already do.

BBC: Real life postage that just needs your e-mail address

But, thanks to your official identity and your latest purchase at a store, your information has probably been scooped up into a database with the records of millions of other people who hate technology, too.

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But in some situations, having your real identity linked to what you say on the Internet can be deadly.

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This urges advertisers to say who you're speaking for and never disguise your identity, which sounds wonderful but is not entirely plausible.

NPR: Slate's Ad Report Card: Burger King's Buzz Marketing

But should you depend upon it to shape your identity?

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They are your workplace identity and can serve you well, but they can also be an inhibitor for you when organizations or circumstances change.

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But it is also no excuse for you to refuse to fight for your own identity.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Geert Wilders in Berlin

"It's not going to stop any breaches, but it reduces your risk, " says Raul Vargas, fraud operations manager for Identity Theft 911, an identity-management solutions firm.

WSJ: Don't Let Tax Cheaters Target You

But how can you be a great spouse, parent or friend by denying your true identity?

CNN: Want a great career? Find your passion

But trying to pin down national identity is always a difficult and dangerous occupation - even more so if your chosen medium involves marshalling 1, 000 people, nine geese and 70 sheep on a sports field.

BBC: A defining moment for Britain