Online disinhibition is not a master key: an examination of online disinhibition mechanisms

Wen, Ruohan; Miura, Asako

Internet Research, 2025, 35(7), 52-70

Number of Access:336（2025-09-07 16:50 Counts）

Identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11094/101071

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Title
Online disinhibition is not a master key: an examination of online disinhibition mechanisms
Creator
CreatorName
Wen, Ruohan
NRID
1000030273569 1000030273569
ORCID
0000-0002-7563-7503 0000-0002-7563-7503
researchmap permalink
asarin asarin
Scopus Author ID
12645856800 12645856800
CreatorName
Miura, Asako
Subject
Attitude expression
Motivation-based online disinhibition model
Online disinhibition
Social media
“Like” button
Description
Wen R., Miura A.. Online disinhibition is not a master key: an examination of online disinhibition mechanisms. Internet Research 35, 52 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-07-2024-1143.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to empirically examine how online disinhibition influences individuals’ behavior on the Internet based on the motivation-based online disinhibition model, a refinement of Suler’s (2004) online disinhibition theory. This model suggests that individuals’ behaviors are influenced by motivational factors, with online disinhibition moderating this process. Design/methodology/approach: We observed how individuals expressed their attitudes by clicking “Like” when reading a fictional thread with multiple replies. In Study 1a, participants were shown two types of replies in a thread: inflammatory and normal posts. In Study 1b, we followed up with the participants from Study 1a by asking them how sensational and annoying they perceived each post. In Study 2, we examined whether participants clicked “Like” on a post that contained extreme language. Findings: In Study 1a, the influence of online disinhibition on Like-clicking did not significantly differ across post types. In Study 1 b, when participants perceived posts as sensational or annoying, they were more likely to click “Like” if they experienced high levels of online disinhibition. For posts that were neither sensational nor annoying, online disinhibition did not affect the likelihood of clicking “Like.” In Study 2, although online disinhibition was significantly correlated with Like-clicking on the extreme post, this effect was not observed among participants who held a negative attitude toward the extreme post. Originality/value: This study rigorously examined the causal relationships among motivational factors, online disinhibition and behaviors, challenging previously overgeneralized explanations of online disinhibition theory regarding online behaviors.
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Source Title
Internet Research
Volume (Issue)
35(7)
Page
52-70
Date of Issued
2025-04-01
Language
English
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/11094/101071
PISSN
10662243
Relation.isIdenticalTo
DOI (Publisher Version)
https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-07-2024-1143
Access Rights
open access
CopyRight
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
oaire:version
Version of Record
Category
学術雑誌論文 Journal Article