Computer-Mediated Communication, De-Individuation and Group Decision-Making
Author(s)
Lea, Martin; Spears, Russell
Abstract
Discusses social psychological processes in computer-mediated communication and group decision-making, in relation to findings that groups communicating via computer produce more polarized decisions than face-to-face groups. Many explanations for such differences have been advanced, including a lack of social cues, disinhibition, “de-individuation,” and a consequent tendency to antinormative behavior. An alternative model is provided, based on social identity (SI) theory and a re-conceptualization of de-individuation. Predictions from both sets of explanations are explored empirically by means of an experiment manipulating the salience of the discussion group, and de-individuation operationalized as the isolation and anonymity of the participants. Results are consistent with the SI model.
