Deindividuation

Question 1

What is deindividuation?

Answer 1

Deindividuation is a concept coined by Festinger in 1952, referring to the reduction of inner restraints and self-awareness when individuals are part of a group.

Question 2

How does deindividuation relate to aggression in groups?

Answer 2

Deindividuation is associated with aggression in groups, such as violence in prisons or at sporting events, where individuals lose their individual identity and experience weakened inhibitions.

Question 3

What are the effects of deindividuation on individual behavior?

Answer 3

Being part of a crowd during deindividuation weakens normal inhibitions, causing individuals to become anonymous and forget the consequences of their actions. This can lead to a deviation from typical social norms.

Question 4

How does deindividuation explain violence in public places?

Answer 4

In Western society, strong norms against violence are upheld through individuals’ awareness of social norms. However, when individuals experience deindividuation in public places, they may become anonymous, lose their individual identity, and deviate from social norms, leading to aggression.

Question 5

Give examples of situations where deindividuation might occur.

Answer 5

Deindividuation can occur in situations like large crowds at sporting events or in prisons, where individuals are in close proximity, leading to a loss of individual identity and increased likelihood of aggressive behavior.