What Is Deindividuation, And Why Does It Occur?

Have you ever noticed that it is easier to express your personality and adhere to your values in some situations than it is in others? Sometimes, when you are part of a group, especially a large one, you may notice that you are thinking and behaving differently. The problem may in fact be something known as deindividuation. Read on to learn more about what psychologists mean by this term and why it may arise.  

Definition of deindividuation

Deindividuation is a psychological process in which you become less self-aware. It can often happen when you form part of a larger group. You may take on the beliefs and attitudes of the group and shut off your own unique way of looking at and responding to situations. 

When deindividuation occurs, people may do things they would never do when alone or being seen as an individual. They can lose their ability to properly evaluate their behavior. They may lose their inhibitions and feel less socially responsible. In the process, they may lose their sense of right and wrong and take on the sense of reality presented to them by the mob's actions. This is because they have lost the sense of themselves as an individual and do not feel unique in relation to others. 

The theory of deindividuation helps explain how and why people engage in behavior that is uncharacteristic of them and how this often occurs when individuals are caught up in the mentality of the crowd—also commonly known as a “mob mentality.” An unethical example of a study that explains this theory is the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment. 

The Stanford Prison Experiment

In 1973, Phillip Zimbardo conducted an experiment that has since become a classic study in deindividuation. In the study, Zimbardo created a mock prison situation and placed twenty-four student volunteers into two groups. One of the groups played the role of guards, while the other group played the role of prisoners.

Those playing guards were deindividualized in various ways, including wearing a uniform and dark sunglasses to obscure their individuality. A number rather than their name addressed those playing prisoners. As the experiment progressed, the guards became increasingly aggressive and cruel, and the prisoners became more dependent. While the ethics of this experiment have been questioned in the time since it was done, it does show how people give in to groupthink in certain extreme situations.

Examples of deindividuation

There are many examples of deindividuation in the world. Some may even be positive enough to benefit society. In many cases, however, deindividuation can be harmful to the person doing the behaviors as well as those affected by their actions. Here are a few instances where deindividuation may happen.

Military service

When you are a part of the military, you are trained to do difficult things. However, it is not just the training that causes you to go beyond normal behavior. As someone in the group, you may experience deindividuation when you take on the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors prevalent in the group. Soldiers who sacrifice themselves to save another soldier may be very timid at heart. However, they draw strength, determination, and a strong sense of duty and loyalty from being in the military.

Rowdy crowds

After a major and intense sporting event, crowds often get out of control. People may begin vandalizing cars and businesses near the stadium. They may attack people associated with the opposing team or even random strangers walking by. Who does these things? Are they simply born criminals? No, the truth is that the people who get involved in these rowdy mobs may be ordinary, easy-going people in other situations. They get wrapped up in the excitement of the moment. Someone gets a bit out of control, and others follow their lead.

Gangs

Gangs are known for their ruthless, destructive behavior. Like all groups, however, gangs comprise many individuals. When these distinct individuals lose sight of their unique perspective, they begin thinking and acting in the ways that they believe will help them feel accepted in the gang. If the gang is associated with aggression and violence, they take on those values while in the group, whether they would behave that way alone or not.

Cults

Cults typically demand that followers adhere to certain beliefs and behaviors. Once someone is a cult person, it generally becomes very difficult for them to express any beliefs other than those that the group espouses. They not only do not espouse external beliefs or thoughts, but they may not even be able to hold onto their individual beliefs after a while. They are incentivized to think and behave in ways that the group encourages because it is necessary to remain in good standing.

Fitness

Even simple activities can lead to deindividuation. Have you ever talked to a fitness buff who lives their whole life by the beliefs of their exercise group? On their own, they might avoid exercise like the plague. They might eat pizza every night. But, once they're in the group, they take on the beliefs and behaviors of the group, even if the beliefs are outrageous and unfounded. In the case of fitness, this group thinks it is often helpful. Wanting to be a part of the group may motivate you to get healthier. However, if the group takes the wrong path, it may be very hard to think for yourself and do what makes sense.

What causes deindividuation?

Why does deindividuation occur? Researchers have identified several reasons that might work together to bring this phenomenon about. In fact, in one study, researcher Bernard Guerin concluded that deindividuation could be manipulated by changing how subjects were identified and evaluated as well as changing their social identity and the difficulty of the task they were asked to do.

When your individual identity is unidentifiable, it becomes easier to drop your inhibitions. If you usually refrain from behaving in a certain way because you feel it is unacceptable, you may have no problem engaging in that behavior when you think no one will know who did it. You allow yourself to go along with the group because your awareness of your own beliefs and values diminishes.

Lack of individual responsibility

As a part of a group, you may lose sight of your individual responsibility. The group is behaving in destructive, aggressive, or negative ways. If something bad happens, you may not feel responsible for what happened, and in fact, you may never be held accountable. This situation can quickly lead to deindividuation.

Group size

Typically, the larger the group, the more readily people become deindividualized. This is likely because individuals take increasing comfort in the size of the group and the “strength” of their numbers. 

What can you do to avoid deindividuation?

To avoid deindividuation in your thoughts and behavior, it helps to know what can prompt it to happen. Remind yourself of your responsibility in all your behaviors and actions. Commit to seeing others as human rather than dehumanizing them. Do things that set you apart as an individual. These actions may be difficult to accomplish, especially if your self-awareness has already diminished. Yet, with the help of a mental health professional, you can remember who you are, what makes sense to you, and what you accept as right or wrong on your terms.

If someone you love seems to be getting caught up in group behavior that is different from their characteristic behavior, there may be ways to help them, too. Say their name often as you talk to them. Remind them what it is that makes them the unique person they are. Ask them about what is happening in the group and how they feel about it when they are away from the group. Be as supportive as you can rather than accusing them.

Seeking professional advice?

If you or a loved one seems to be losing their awareness of who they are as individuals, there is hope for recovery from deindividuation. The first step is increasing your self-awareness – the ability to monitor our inner and outside world. This includes securely knowing your beliefs and where your boundaries lie. A therapist is trained to help people develop their ability to know themselves, set boundaries, and learn how to maintain their sense of self in the midst of pressures from a group of any size. 

When you are managing anxiety or self-doubts, you may hesitate to reach out for a therapist, especially if you are concerned with meeting someone in-person in a strange environment. Fortunately, you have the option to speak with a trusted therapist without having to leave the comforts of home with online therapy. Recent studies support the benefits of online therapy, with results revealing that people with anxiety disorders and other related mental health conditions share a marked reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.  

Talking to a professional counselor through a service such as Regain can help you understand how to get back to who you have always been or support someone who has lost their sense of individual self. Staying true to your values and beliefs is not only good for you as an individual and a couple, but it also benefits the people around you and society.

Takeaway

Deindividuation occurs when someone loses their sense of values and identity when participating in a large group that masks their individuality. When you lose the ability to self-evaluate and have a hard time setting clear personal boundaries, you may fall susceptible to the group ‘mob mentality’. In this time, it is important you maintain a clear sense of self, your boundaries, and self-awareness. If you need help with building these attributes, reach out for support.