The online disinhibition effect is the reduced self-restraint that people often show when communicating over the internet compared with face-to-face interaction. The psychologist John Suler introduced the concept in a 2004 paper describing two forms it can take: benign disinhibition, in which people share personal feelings more openly or shy individuals express themselves more freely, and toxic disinhibition, in which people use harsher language, issue threats or engage in behavior such as cyberbullying that they would be unlikely to display in person.
Facts
Core ClaimPeople often show reduced self-restraint when communicating online compared with face-to-face interaction, ranging from benign openness to toxic behavior such as flaming. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of Phenomenon Sources
1. Online disinhibition effect, Wikipedia
Introduction
The online disinhibition effect refers to the lack of self-control one feels when communicating online relative to communicating offline.
History and Introduction section
The term was originally introduced by John Suler, a professor of psychology at Rider University, in his 2004 paper, "The Online Disinhibition Effect," published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.
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