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This study only adds new data to a fairly old (and rather simple) model that falls back on persistent character traits ("true character") and consistent individ

by hussong 15y ago

This study only adds new data to a fairly old (and rather simple) model that falls back on persistent character traits ("true character") and consistent individual perceptions to explain the behavorial effects of visual anonymity. The model seems to be based on an archaic idea of man, much like the late 1960's concepts of deindividuation--the idea that underneath our civilized personality, there resides an instinctual force that is inherently wild, dangerous and destructive (neglecting any peaceful, friendly or cooperative traits that we also seem to possess). More recent models like the 'Social Identity model of Deindividuation Effects' take a more systematic approach to considering further individual and situational variables and how they work together. Owing to the enhanced complexity, these newer models do a much better job at explaining the factors and processes at play in computer-mediated communication, but they of course make for a much less catchy story.

mattgreenrocks 15y ago
I'm not sure I see how an alternate model changes much. In the case of SIDE, it is because they are actively viewing the out-group (the site's users) with enough contempt that they need to sow discord. OK, I can buy that. But how does it help us know how to stop trolling? Simply saying, "it's complicated!" without offering workable solutions doesn't help us here.
- hussong 15y ago
  I think my comment was more academic than pragmatic: Once you let go of the assumption that people will invariably do bad things in the absence of external control, the whole model falls apart. As for practical recommendations, I've seen very few come out of academic research, unfortunately. From SIDE you could derive that you should aim to create a community or an idea that people identify with in a positive way (thus creating a social identity), and try to facilitate the salience of that identity by adjusting the situational setting.

by hussong 15y ago

mattgreenrocks 15y ago

I'm not sure I see how an alternate model changes much. In the case of SIDE, it is because they are actively viewing the out-group (the site's users) with enough contempt that they need to sow discord. OK, I can buy that. But how does it help us know how to stop trolling? Simply saying, "it's complicated!" without offering workable solutions doesn't help us here.

hussong 15y ago
I think my comment was more academic than pragmatic: Once you let go of the assumption that people will invariably do bad things in the absence of external control, the whole model falls apart. As for practical recommendations, I've seen very few come out of academic research, unfortunately. From SIDE you could derive that you should aim to create a community or an idea that people identify with in a positive way (thus creating a social identity), and try to facilitate the salience of that identity by adjusting the situational setting.