Technology and The Online Disinhibition Effect

Ever wondered why people behave differently online? They may be affected by the Online Disinhibition Effect, where anonymity and distance in technology leads to heated arguments and nasty comments. Understanding this phenomenon helps one navigate through its effects and fosters more positive digital interactions.

The Online Disinhibition Effect and its impact on behavior in online communication have been studied by various researchers. Here are a few studies that support this phenomenon:

👉 Suler, J. (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321-326. This study by John Suler explores the various factors that contribute to disinhibition in online environments, including anonymity, invisibility, and lack of nonverbal cues.
👉 Joinson, A. N. (2007). Disinhibition and the Internet. In The Oxford Handbook of Internet Psychology (pp. 75-90). Oxford University Press. This chapter discusses the disinhibiting effects of online communication and how it influences behavior, highlighting factors such as reduced self-awareness, deindividuation, and dissociative anonymity.
👉 Spears, R., & Lea, M. (1992). Social Influence and the Influence of the ‘Social’ in Computer-Mediated Communication. In Proceedings of the International ACM SIGGROUP Conference on Supporting Group Work (pp. 145-152). ACM. This study examines how social influence and group norms are manifested in computer-mediated communication, including the tendency for individuals to engage in more hostile and aggressive behaviors online.
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