The benign online disinhibition effect: Could situational factors induce self-disclosure and prosocial behaviors?

Abstract

The current study, which focuses on the benign effects of disinhibition, was designed as a continuation of an earlier study conducted on the toxic effects of online disinhibition (Lapidot-Lefler & Barak, 2012). Using a factorial design, the study examined the effects of three online situational factors—anonymity, invisibility, and lack of eye contact—on inducing self-disclosure and prosocial behaviors as expressions of benign online disinhibition. Random pairs of adult strangers (n = 144) discussed a dilemma and were required to reach a joint solution using online chat. Self-disclosure and prosocial behavior effects were measured using participants’ self-reports, expert judges’ ratings of chat transcripts, and textual analyses of the conversations. Results suggested that the interaction between anonymity and invisibility had a significant effect on the revealing of emotions. Lack of eye contact, the interaction between anonymity and invisibility and the interaction between lack of eye contact and invisibility had a significant effect on the inducement of first-person words. The interaction between anonymity, invisibility and lack of eye contact had significant effects on the total self-disclosure score, yet no significant effects were found for prosocial behaviors. A discussion of the findings with regard to previous research on toxic online disinhibition suggests that different factors play a role in the inducement of benign vs. toxic online disinhibition effects. More research is required to substantiate current findings and determine the nature of the contribution of each situational factor.

Patterns of utilization and a case illustration of an interactive text‐based psychotherapy delivery system

“…For example, evidence suggests that, in general, people disclose emotions earlier, more frequently, and more explicitly over text (Derks, Fischer, & Bos, ); that is, many find it easier to communicate their emotional states when they are not influenced by others’ nonverbal cues. This online disinhibition effect has been found to reduce shame (Lapidot‐Lefler & Barak, ; Suler, ), the presence of which has been shown to restrict psychotherapy patients’ disclosure of negative affect (Farber, ). That text messaging keeps a direct line of communication open at all times may also minimize the potential for nonattendance, which frequently hinders psychotherapy’s effectiveness and heightens the risk of early dropout (Oldham, Kellett, Miles, & Sheeran, ).…”

“Hello? Are You Still There?” The Impact of Social Media on Self-Disclosure and Reciprocity in Interpersonal Relationships: A Literature Review

“…This refers to the combination of anonymity, invisibility, and controllability of an online environment (Green et al, 2015). These elements create an illusion of safety within the asynchronous nature of online communication, allowing the user to benefit from the free self-disclosure environment (Lapidot-Lefler & Barak, 2015). Although this disinhibition is 'benign' and positive in this arena, participants of social media platforms must be wary of toxic disinhibition, where these elements have the opposite effect.…”

Ethical and legal perspectives on the medical practitioners use of social media

“…Crucially, disinhibition is not the only factor influencing how professionals behave online, but it is a significant factor. [22] Raising professionals' awareness of the disinhibition effect could play a significant role in avoiding the ethical and legal pitfalls associated with the use of social media.…”

“…[21] Like any other person, professionals are susceptible to disinhibition and will loosen up, communicate more freely and experience fewer inhibitions and behavioural boundaries online. [12,22] Others disaggregate their online self, detaching it from the rest of their lives and, disturbingly, minimising personal accountability for their online actions to professional bodies and the law. [21] This is a logical fallacy, because the same ethical standards and laws applicable offline also apply online.…”

“…[21,22] Disinhibitions are influenced by various factors ranging from invisibility, personality type and intensity of feelings to the type of social media platform being used. [21] Like any other person, professionals are susceptible to disinhibition and will loosen up, communicate more freely and experience fewer inhibitions and behavioural boundaries online.…”