De-individuation evaluation Flashcards

1
Q

STRENGTH: supportive research evidence

A
  • Douglas and McGarthy looked at aggressive online behaviour in chatrooms.
  • They found a strong positive correlation between anonymity and ‘flaming’ (hostile messages). The most aggressive messages were sent by those who had hidden their identities.
  • Suggests a link between anonymity, De-indivuation and aggression which is relevant to modern day.
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2
Q

LIMITATION: Contradictory evidence

A
  • Gergen put strangers in a darkened room and told them to do what they wanted - they began kissing and touching
  • ‘Deviance in the dark’ study was repeated when pps told that they would be face to face afterwards, kissing and touching had reduced.
  • Despite the guarantee of anonymity creating the conditions for de individuation aggressive behaviour was not an outcome of this study
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3
Q

STRENGTH: useful real life applications

A
  • De individuation theory can help us to understand aggressive behaviour in online services such as Xbox Live
  • These services have features promoting de individuation: reduction of personal identity and an arousing immersive enviroment
  • This real life application confirms the relevance of de indivuation concepts to aggression
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