The Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE)

The Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE) explains how people's behavior in online or group settings can be influenced by their sense of belonging to a collective. When individuals feel anonymous or less identifiable, they tend to conform more to the group’s norms and identity, often acting in ways consistent with the group's values. This can lead to more extreme or aggressive behavior, but also to positive actions. Essentially, the model shows that anonymity can strengthen group influence over individual behavior, especially in digital environments where personal identity is less visible.