Anyone can build a profile on you and eventually link your profile to your real identity, doxxing you. You risk attracting people who will try to track down your physical location or the locations of your loved ones. You may live in a situation where what you say online can negatively impact your relationships, career, or finances.

But the pros to revealing yourself are nothing to sneeze at either. You are more likely to gain trust with the community and build stronger relationships. You don't have to maintain the discipline of keeping your identity hidden. Your identity being known puts some responsibility and accountability on your shoulders to be an honest person online.