The asterisk(*) is used as shorthand after 'anyone' or any other
indefinite pronoun to clarify that you're speaking ONLY to the persons present on whatever
social media platform you're posing
the current question, which avoids constantly having to specify "anyone ON HERE" and thus avoiding smart-arse replies.
Q "does anyone think that
David Moyes is a great managerial appointment?"
A "I'm sure some people (like his mother and his wife) think he's a genius; I, however, think he's fucking clueless"
If we correctly use the asterisk, we should expect
the following, much more concise, response:
Q "does anyone* think that David Moyes is a great managerial appointment?"
A "Nope, everyone* thinks he's
fucking useless"