Effects of Anonymity in the Expression of Empathy Through Bystander Behavior in Online Social Media Interactions

Abstract:

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of anonymity on bystander behavior using scores from the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The scores created a baseline for understanding empathy during in-person interactions and various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit where individuals may remain anonymous. Previous studies show that the bystander effect occurs in an online environment, in which the number of bystanders has a negative relationship with bystander behaviors (Guazzini, et al., 2019). The current study focused on the impact that anonymity has on bystander behavior, using baseline empathy as a covariate. Our hypothesis was that bystander behavior would have a negative relationship to anonymity in social media, meaning bystander behavior decreases as anonymity increases. An online survey was conducted to measure the responses from participants. Results did not indicate a statistically significant relationship between the anonymity level of social media platform with bystander behaviors. However, there was a statistically significant difference in bystander behaviors between in-person and online environment. This study could help shed light into our online behaviors and the effects that anonymity has on our empathetic responses towards others. Further insight into this relationship could be useful in developing techniques and processes to curb online harassment and cyberbullying.