Group-Based Self-Categorisation

Group-Based Self-Categorisation

Reviewed by Faisal Zaidi

Seeing oneself as a member of a group, which visual anonymity increased in computer-mediated groups.

What it is

Lea, Spears and de Groot compared groups communicating by computer that were visually anonymous with groups that could see one another on video. Visual anonymity increased group-based self-categorisation, which in turn increased attraction to the group.

In effect

In the article on deindividuation, it explains why anonymity can strengthen a group's norms rather than weaken a person's restraint.

What it does not say

It does not say that anonymity always increases identification; the effect did not extend to nationality as a wider category.

Sources

  1. Lea, M., Spears, R., & de Groot, D. (2001). Knowing me, knowing you: Anonymity effects on social identity processes within groups. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(5), 526-537.