The Effect of Perceived Anonymity on Online Transgressions: The Moderating Role of Moral Excuses

Qianju Zhang

doi:10.54097/ehss.v12i.7584

Authors

Qianju Zhang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v12i.7584

Keywords:

Anonymity, online socialization, online transgressions, moral excuses, moderating effects.

Abstract

With the development of science and technology, the use of the Internet is becoming more and more widespread. However, with the popularity of the Internet, some problems have gradually surfaced. The anonymity of internet use has become a breeding ground for many acts that are contrary to public decency, and this study is conducted against this background. This study explored the impact of perceived anonymity on online transgressions and investigated the moderating effect of moral excuses. A total of 414 subjects, 210 males and 204 females, participated in this experimental survey. The SPSS data analysis concluded that perceived anonymity played a significant positive predictive role on online deviance (p < 0.01), and the moderating role of moral excuses was not significant. This study will be conducive to the better implementation of the action of clearing cyberspace and to the regulation of public behaviour in cyberspace.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ding Q., Liu Y., Zhang Y., & Zhou Z. Psychological privilege and college students' online deceptive behavior: moderated mediating effects. Psychological and Behavioral Research, 2020, 18(4): 7.

Jin C., & Zou H. The relationship between parental monitoring and adolescent online deviant behavior: The moderating role of personality type. China Special Education, 2013, 6:6.

Jang H., Song J., & Kim R. Does the offline bully-victim-ization influence cyberbullying behavior among youths? Application of general strain theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 2014, 31: 85－93.

Patchin J. W., & Hinduja S. Traditional and nontraditional bullying among youth: A test of general strain theory. Youth & Society, 2011, 43(2) , 727-751.

Denegri-Knott J., & Taylor J. The labeling game a conceptual exploration of deviance on the internet. Social Science Computer Review, 2005, 23(1): 93-107.

He X. On the behavior and psychology of adolescents in virtual communities. Guangxi Normal University: Philosophy and Social Science Edition, 2003, 39(4): 6.

Li D, Lei L, & Zou H. Characteristics of adolescent online deviant behavior and research perspectives. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2006, 16(1): 4.

Joinson A. N. Deviance and the internet: New challenge for social science. Sage Publications, Inc. 2005.

Kiesler S., Siegel J. M., & Timothy, W. Social psychological aspects of computer-mediated communication. American Psychologist. 1984.

Williams M. Virtually Criminal. Routledge. 2006.

Bandura A. Moral disengagement in the perpetuation of inhumanities. 1999.

Bandura A. Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. 1986.

Niu G., Bao N., Zhou Z., Fan C., Kong F., & Sun X. The effect of self-presentation in social networking sites on life satisfaction: the role of positive emotions and social support. Psychological Development and Education, 2015, 31(5): 8.

Yang J., Wang X., & Gao L. The concept, measurement and variables associated with moral excuses. Advances in Psychological Science, 2010, 4: 8.

Pelton J., Gound M., Forehand R., & Brody G. The moral disengagement scale: Extension with an american minority sample. Journal of Psychopathology & Behavioral Assessment, 2004, 26(1): 31-39.

Wang X., Niu Z., Sun Y., & Deng X. A comparative study of self-control and transgressive behavior among Chinese and American college students. Psychosocial Research, 2001, 1: 5.

Sun X., & Xue G. A review of study on self-management. Advances in Psychological Science, 2008, 16(1): 106-113.

Xu H. An overview of research on low self-control and delinquent behaviour. China Special Education, 2005, 5: 4.

Qu Z., Zou H., & Duan X. The relationship between self-control, values and juvenile delinquency. Youth Studies, 2006, 5: 7.