Hexbear started during the 2020 BLM protests, where cops were using social media and internet presence to track down activists. They are still doing this, but with less vigor than when police stations were burning down.
This included things like using tattoos on naked bodies, etsy store receipts etc.
Just before the r/cth ban, there was also a problem with chasers and leering objectification, and steps were taken to reduce thirst-posting and the like.
These things combined means that people don't post selfies or direct identifying information. People post their pets and artwork, but I know I have to make a decision about where and when I post things to make things non-trivial for cops or random chuds. I feel like a unique pet name, breed, and rough region could be enough to track someone down.
Even so, I think I'm bad at it. I feel like if someone knew me and read everything on hexbear they could ID me pretty easily (and I know multiple people in person on hexbear, but we've never exchanged usernames).
Idk if there are any hard and fast rules beyond the selfies and direct ID though. I should burn this account.
Edit: removed reference to masculinity
Honestly it's pretty much impossible to be anonymous these days anyway so I guess I'll live fast and die young
I do lie a lot though, I find that helps.
I got a DM from someone that thought I live in LA which is funny so I guess I am vague enough.
Someone here once was convinced my name was Terry.
Being ID'd like that must have been Terryfying
It was terryble
idk sounds terryfic
This is now my head cannon. Gonna just start calling you Terry for the bit.
Lmao hell yeah
I think of it as; They might be able to find me, but if i can make them use up resources finding me that's less stuff, people hours, resources, attention t hat they'll have to find someone else. We might not be able to hide from them, but we can make it expensive to find us.
Also, the more time they waste on me, a boring nobody, the less time they'll be spending harrassing actual productive comrades.