THE PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
It has been suggested that de-individualisation theories can explain the link between anonymity and unacceptable behaviour online. Social Identity Theory of De-individuation (SIDE) is a social psychological theory that is concerned with the behaviour of individuals lost amidst crowds. The essence of the theory is that inner restraints are lost when people are no longer seen or considered as individuals. Philip Zimbardo’s research showed that people were more likely to administer a stronger electric shock when they were hooded and therefore unknown.