It is often understood that anonymity brings out the worst in people, but I do not think this is really the case. What it truly does is reduce the fear of punishment or the consequences involved. People who primarily do good (or bad) out of fear will be impacted the most. I feel that if a person is selfish enough to only worry about punishment when considering their actions, they are always at their worst. This will continue to be so until the reasons for their actions change. An individual can only become a better person (or be at their best) when their intentions change. No action really signifies what a person is like on the inside, so determining if a person is well-behaved cannot truly be done by an observer. The first aspect of behavior is intention (mental action), the second physical action.
People who do good for the sake of reward may also be affected by anonymity, but not as greatly. It is given that they will do little good on their own, but it is not known if they will act negatively (as they may do nothing at all). However, this negativity is almost guaranteed if it proves to be rewarding experience, at least in the short-run. People who gain temporary joy from doing harm are likely to further this activity when anonymous, but that anonymity is usually unnecessary.
Anonymity does not have much of an effect on those who are normally altruistic, as this behavior is not based on selfish reasoning.
If it is held true that people who normally pursue ideal or less than ideal behavior or always at their best or worse, then these descriptions are based on current intent and the person's future potential. Anonymity then does not change intent or potential, but gives people an incentive to follow through with their current intentions.
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