Examining how anonymity, group identity, and secondary goals influence online verbal aggression

Abstract

Verbal aggression is increasingly prevalent online, especially so in social media and online gaming environments. These trends are worrying because despite occurring virtually, verbal aggression can cause psychological distress to victims in reality. It can also influence others to exhibit similar behavior, subsequently harming the general climate of discussion and perceptions of socially appropriate behavior. In the long run, this can reduce the quality of online interactions and mar the enjoyment of online experiences. The aim of this set of two studies is to untangle the complexities surrounding verbal aggression online, in the contexts of online commenting and online gaming.Currently, there is ample attention on research into external factors such as technological affordances (e.g., level of anonymity offered) and social norms,