Deindividuation Theory

Question 1

What is the nature of deindividuation?

Answer 1

Reduced self evaluation and decreased concern about evaluation from others.
Leads to an increase in antisocial behaviour.
More likely when anonymous, in a large crowd or drunk.

Question 2

How does the process of deindividuation work?

Answer 2

Social norms usually inhibit antisocial behaviour > Inhibitions are usually removed when deindividuated > Conditions that increase anonymity weaken barriers to antisocial behaviour.

Question 3

What research is there on deindividuation?

Answer 3

Faceless crowd - Lynchings are more savage when there are large crowds.
Baiting crowd - 10 out of 21 cases studied baited suicide jumper to leap.

Question 4

What is reduced private self-awareness?

Answer 4

Reduced self-awareness is more important than anonymity and in large crowds we are less able to self-regulate behaviour.