Quick LinksMinimize Data Sharing Online Reduce Spam and Unsolicited Communications More Control Over My Digital Footprint Better Email Management and Organization Emails for Short-Term Transactions Deactivate in Case of Data Breach
When you browse or shop online, sites track your activity to show ads or send promos. To keep things private, I use an alias for online shopping to stay anonymous, cut down on spam, and more.
✕ Remove Ads Minimize Data Sharing Online
What's the first thing you give up when signing up for online services? Your email, right? And that's just the start. Most services also want your name, birthday, and location -- basically, all kinds of information that ends up in their databases. Some might use it for legitimate reasons, sure. But others? They're using it for targeted ads or even selling your data to third parties.
But here's the thing -- what if you didn't have to share all that? That's exactly why I use aliases. These are temporary email addresses that are not tied to my real identity. I decide what information I want to share, and it reduces the chances of personal information being misused.
✕ Remove Ads Reduce Spam and Unsolicited Communications Close
Some promotional emails are useful, but most are just spam. I, therefore, use an email alias rather than my main email address when shopping online. It keeps my inbox clear of all those annoying promos and newsletters I never subscribe to.
When you use your real email, it's like opening the floodgates to spam. Using an alias makes things so much easier -- I only see the stuff that actually matters, and the junk goes into a separate inbox that I can check later (or ignore). And what if spam overloads that inbox? No problem; I'll delete it and create another one.
More Control Over My Digital Footprint
I try not to share any personal information online. Using an alias when shopping online is one step in that direction. Instead of sharing my real name and email, I use an alias email address. It reduces the risk of data breaches and helps me control my digital footprint.
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It's also a smart security movement. If a site gets hacked or sells my info to third parties (which unfortunately often happens), all they'll have is my alias -- not my actual details. And honestly, it's so much easier to swap out an alias than to update tons of accounts and passwords.
Better Email Management and Organization
"A cluttered desk reflects a cluttered mind," and the same applies to email inboxes. With emails arriving daily, missing something crucial or wasting time digging through the chaos is easy. That's why I like using an alias email address to stay organized.
Anytime I register for an online service, I use an alias. All promo emails, newsletters, and junk go there instead of cluttering my main inbox. It's like a junk mail bin that keeps the important stuff separate.
When I'm done with a service, I just delete the address -- there's no need to mess around unsubscribing from a million mailing lists. It's easy, keeps things tidy, and prevents spam.
✕ Remove Ads Emails for Short-Term Transactions
Sometimes, I need to make quick transactions or sign up for something short-term, like buying event tickets or starting a free trial. In those cases, I don't want to leave a permanent digital trail of my personal details. So, I just use a temporary email address, get what I need, and delete it once I'm done.
It's like using a throwaway phone number briefly and tossing it afterward. This way, I still get access to the services I want without compromising my privacy or security -- and it keeps all that annoying spam out of my box.
Deactivate in Case of Data Breach
We've all heard about those huge breaches that exposed millions of accounts. And it's not just the big companies getting hit -- small businesses and startups are also targeted. So, what would you do if it happened? Could you reduce the damage or be ready for it? With aliases, you can.
✕ Remove Ads
An alias works as a shield for your real email address. If it gets breached, no problem -- you can just deactivate it and create another one. Your main email stays safe, like a safety net for all your online accounts.
These are the reasons I always use aliases for online services. They provide additional security and give me more privacy options. So, try it out and see how it improves your online security.