Why the need for a Fursona?

[Katsuke]

Cuz' is cool to have and be proud of one!  8)

I personally do not care for furry names or what not, however I prefer my furry name anyway for it is less confusing than my chinese name. >:I

[kohl]

People want a way to immediately have themselves appeal to others.

[Silvermink]

I don't think a fursona is ever a requirement. Want one, make one. Don't, don't. There's no Furry Manual you have to follow. If you want one, it can be a character that represents you, or you with fur, or... whatever you want.

I go by Silvermink online partly as a representation of my "furry self" and partly because of the anonymity it affords me (while still establishing me as a consistent person), but I'm not sure using a pseudonym and having a fursona are exactly the same thing. At real life furry gatherings I usually prefer to be called by my real name (though I'll respond to either, and I make some concessions for the fact that most furries seem to prefer to use their furry names and so people get used to that).