The first time I heard the term "anonymous surfing", I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Why would anyone need to be anonymous on the internet? It's probably just for weirdos and perverts. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized that there's more to anonymous surfing online than you may think.

Business

For one thing, being anonymous on the internet is largely related to VPNs, or virtual private networks. VPNs are very important for business and school. They allow a central network to have many different users connecting to the same network, without having to physically be there. By setting up a "private network" to which you have encrypted tunnels to send and receive information, it means that can communicate with the network from a remote location and not worry about anyone eaves dropping.

The same principle is applied for private use. When you sign up for a VPN service, you are essentially paying for access to the private network of servers. Though your goal is not to communicated with the servers themselves, but with the greater internet, you can use their private servers as an encrypted springboard to websites online. This makes your original IP address invisible, and you're ID anonymous.

Entertainment

Both proxies and virtual private networks can provide anonymity online, This anonymity is due to a change in IP address. Many websites nowadays are making calls as to who can and who can't visit the site. Good examples are Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, Raditaz, and other country specific content (Netflix and Hulu - USA, BBC iPlayer - UK, Spotify - Europe/UK/US, Raditaz - Varies). So, to access the geocentric websites, you've got to change your IP address.

For example, when I'm outside The USA, I can get a US IP address through a VPN, and access the site. The same would apply to getting a UK IP and accessing BBC iPlayer. Other TV/Movie/Music streaming sites all function similarly. In most cases, you'll have better luck using an anonymous IP from a VPN than a proxy when it comes to streaming online.

Personal Privacy

Privacy is grossly underrated in today's world. The more we Tweet, Like, Digg, and otherwise leave footprints as to what we do online, the more people are able to access it. Are you sure you want your IP stamped on EVERYTHING you view online? Many topics regarding physical/mental health, relationships, and personal interests could be embarrassing or damaging if known by your employer, family, friends, or coworkers. Hiding your IP, even if you're in the privacy of your own home definitely has some clear advantages.

Conclusion

The the idea is that you don't have to be a total weirdo to want to use anonymous surfing online. The above three example are just a piece of the pie, and there are many other types of users out there that could benefit from changing or hiding the IP of their phone or computer.