The Motive Internet Glossary
handle
A handle is a person’s online alias or shortened-name, often referred to as a ‘nickname’ or, from a systems perspective, ‘username’. The need for a handle, instead of their real name, is often due to either the limitation of account management software (where the system requires a unique name), and/or the need to manage privacy/security where the system stores personal information.
A handle is often required when using a chatroom or instant messaging (IM) application.
References and further reading
- Anonymity and Online Community (John M. Grohol, A List Apart)
…why online identity matters [and] six steps to help you build stronger online communities.
- A Group is its Own Worst Enemy (Clay Shirky)
Notes from a speech on social software including the role of a handle as something a member can invest in and that the community can acknowledge.
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