Online disinhibition: conceptualization, measurement, and implications for online deviant behavior
Abstract
Purpose Online disinhibition is one of the key factors leading to the occurrence of cyberaggression, cyberbullying and various forms of deviant behaviors in the online environment. To understand the composition of online disinhibition, this study aims to conceptualize online disinhibition and develop a measurement instrument for online disinhibition. Design/methodology/approach We followed a rigorous procedure to develop and validate the multidimensional instrument of online disinhibition in three phases: item generation, measurement development and instrument testing. Findings We developed a 23-item online disinhibition scale and identified six key dimensions: dissociative anonymity, invisibility, asynchronicity, solipsistic introjections, dissociative imagination and minimization of authority. Practical implications The online disinhibition instrument is an accessible and easily administered measure that can be used as a checklist for systems designers and administrators to evaluate the level of online disinhibition among users. It offers systems design information on how to prevent and combat online deviant behaviors on platforms. Originality/value This work provides a rich conceptualization of an online disinhibition instrument that can serve as a springboard for future work to understand online deviant behaviors. The newly developed measurement instrument of online disinhibition also adds to the repository of rigorous research scales in this area.
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Online disinhibition appears to be a major factor leading to the occurrence of deviant behaviours in the metaverse.
“Online disinhibition, a psychological state in which individuals feel more relaxed and willing to engage in certain behaviours in the online environment (Cheung et al., 2021), appears to be a major factor leading to the occurrence of deviant behaviours in the metaverse.”
From Metaverse beyond the hype: Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for research, practice and policy (2022) · cites this paper as Cheung et al., 2021
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- Authors
- Cheung, C. M. K., Wong, R. Y. M., & Chan, T. K. H.
- Affiliations
- Hong Kong Baptist University (HK)
- NEOMA Business School (FR)
- Northumbria University (GB)
- Venue
- Industrial Management & Data Systems
- Publisher
- Emerald
- Published
- 2020-10-22
- Volume
- 121
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48-64
- ISSN
- 0263-5577 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3094143515
- Cited by
- 89
- References
- 53
- Citations by year
- 2026: 21 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2
- FWCI
- 9.57
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Industrial Management & Data Systems (publishedVersion)
- Research Explorer (The University of Manchester) (submittedVersion)
- ResearchSpace (University of Auckland) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Digital Communication and Language
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Keywords
- online disinhibition effect, cyberbullying, online aggression, invisibility, asynchrony, scale development, measurement instruments, digital platforms
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