A reexamination of deindividuation in synchronous computer-mediated communication

Classical deindividuation theory has been posited as a useful framework for understanding certain cognitive and behavioral changes commonly seen in co mputer-mediated communication (CMC). Participants in CMC discussion groups were significantly more immersed in the discussion than face-to-face (FTF) discussants, and tended not to perceive their team members as individuals, providing evidence that the CMC users met the cognitive criteria for a stat e of deindividuation. Nevertheless, CMC participants did not produce more n egative behaviors than FTF participants, demonstrating that it is insuffici ent to attribute negative behavior solely to a deindividuated state. These results are discussed in light of classical deindividuation theory and are contrasted with predictions from the more recent social identity/deindividu ation model. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. AII rights reserved.