The Online Disinhibition Effect

Let’s talk about Online Disinhibition effect in short before writing it in detail. What is this effect? It is the loosening of inhibition as well as the social interactions which are mostly and normally present in the face to face interactions which most commonly takes place in the interactions on the internet.

This effect is not always so salutary but I have witnessed harsh criticism, rude language, hatred, anger and in many cases even threats. Different logical barriers are present that block the needs and hidden feelings in it.

Different factors are involved in it and there list is:

Dissociative anonymity is one of the major reason behind this effect what I have observed and learnt through different sources. On internet, people start interacting with one another and feel protected, anonymous. This anonymity helps them in feeling less vulnerable in engaging towards the social behavior.

Invisibility is the mechanism in which face is not known while chatting or communicating over the internet. Internet acts as a shield from being physically available and this presents different possibilities which are not as easily attainable in the interaction of face to face.

Asynchronicity is the mechanism in which different messages and emails are being done. One can logout without seeing the reply of the other party at any time. This can help in the allowing of catharsis and escape from any kind of the potential negative reactions. This mechanism also lessens the pressure.

Solipsistic Introjection is a method in which without face to face cues, I have experienced different online messages as the voice revolves in the mind. Imagination in mind is being done just by listening to their messages or reading them. Through this, comfort level increases and it leads towards the disinhibition.

Dissociative imagination leads towards the feeling of escapism and I believe that one can remain in touch or avoid next person just be logging in or out. Internet seems more like a believe space, I start feeling more disinhibited while I am online as compared to being offline.

Minimization of the Authority as well as status remains hidden no doubt in it as just through texting or listening to some voice messages don’t make this clear at all that how the other person looks like or what if he or she is telling is right or wrong. Chances exist in the ratio of 50 50. But what I have observed that to some extent, image of next person starts existing in the mind about personality, status and many other different things as well. Internet is a platform that offers more or less equal playing field for every kind of a person. It allows a person to be more disinhibited and make others engage.

 References of The Online Disinhibition Effect

Suler, J., 2004. The online disinhibition effect. Cyberpsychology & behavior, 7(3), pp.321-326.

Suler, J., 2005. The online disinhibition effect. International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies, 2(2), pp.184-188.

Hollenbaugh, E.E. and Everett, M.K., 2013. The effects of anonymity on self-disclosure in blogs: An application of the online disinhibition effect. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 18(3), pp.283-302.