This study examined how anonymity, invisibility, and lack of eye-contact impact toxic online disinhibition. The researchers had participants complete online tasks both anonymously and non-anonymously, with and without their webcam turned on. Participants were more disinhibited and toxic in their behavior when anonymous and unable to make eye-contact with others. The level of toxic disinhibition was higher for men than women in the anonymous conditions without visibility.

1. Effects of anonymity, invisibility, and lack of
eye-contact on toxic online disinhibition
Lapidot-Lefler, N., & Barak, A. (2012)
Journal “Computers in Human Behavior”
28, pp. 434-443
Víctor González Calatayud
Doctorate in Educational Technology

2. INDEX
1. The online disinhibition effect
2. Anonymity
3. Invisibility
4. Eye-contact
5. Method
1. Participants
2. Manipulations
3. Measurement
4. Procedure

3. The online disinhibition

5. Eye-contact

7. Men
50%
Women
50%
Participants

8. Manipulations
(Independent variables)
Anonymity
Eye-
contact
Visibility

9. Measurement

12. Self-report

13. Procedure