I think most people would be less toxic if their posts and comments were both (1) public and (2) linked to their real name.
Someone posting anonymously or under a pseudonym has nothing to lose. He might not intend to offend, but he has no reason to guard his tone or consider how his audience will receive him.
Someone who posts under his real name on Facebook but only shouts into an echo chamber filled with like-minded "friends" also has nothing to lose.
Shame is a great motivator. Fear of loss of friends or career prospects is also a great motivator.
The massive amount of toxicity and drama among Twitter users with accounts linked to their real identity is strong counter-evidence to this. When I think of "polarization and toxicity on the web", I think of Twitter arguments that spill over into real life precisely because of this connection between online identity and real identity.
I think exactly the reverse. Posting anonymously (without a pseudo-identity even) means that you are more likely to speak your mind and less likely to try to win internet points. It also helps with making sure that your community will not become an echo-chamber.
Someone posting anonymously or under a pseudonym has nothing to lose. He might not intend to offend, but he has no reason to guard his tone or consider how his audience will receive him.
Someone who posts under his real name on Facebook but only shouts into an echo chamber filled with like-minded "friends" also has nothing to lose.
Shame is a great motivator. Fear of loss of friends or career prospects is also a great motivator.