A nickname is similar to a name that isn't actually yours but is popular. It's a different approach for friends and individuals who aren't really close to you to bond with you. They've been around for a long time and will be there for a long time to come. In real life, most nicknames are given to you by people you know. Online, some users may give you nicknames if you don't take one yourself. A moniker is a unique name given to you by someone who calls the shots: your parent, teacher, boss, or mentor. They're not friends or acquaintances; they're authority figures who have more power over your life than anyone else. You may have a number of monikers depending on how many times you work with an individual with respect to your career goals. For example, if you work with your teacher twice per year and one of those meetings goes badly, she might cut you off next time you meet. This would be considered a bad thing because it means you can't use her as a mentor anymore. However, if she cuts you off after your first meeting, that would be considered a nickname because it's a friend giving you advice. Mentors are meant to guide you through difficult times so this person could never be counted on for support if you ever needed it. In terms of anonymity, they offer exactly the same protection as a pseudonym. If you need privacy online, a moniker is the way to go.