De-individuation evaluation

Question 1

STRENGTH: supportive research evidence

Answer 1

• 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.

Question 2

LIMITATION: Contradictory evidence

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

STRENGTH: useful real life applications

Answer 3

• 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