Video demonstration of experiment into computer-mediated communication, deindividuation and group decision-making

The BBC filmed a simulation of our early experiment (Lea & Spears, 1991) into group computer-mediated communication for a programme called “Computers in Conversation” which was first broadcast on BBC2 in 1995. The programme, which discussed the emerging potential of a relatively cueless text-based computer medium for social interaction and group collaboration, was part of an Open University series on Information … Read more

Social identity, group norms, and deindividuation: Lessons from computer-mediated communication for social influence in the group

This chapter reviews a program of research that has developed around the Social Identity model of Deindividuation Effects (SIDE; Lea & Spears, 1991; Postmes & Spears, 1998; Postmes, Spears, & Lea, 1998; Reicher, Spears, & Postmes, 1995; Spears & Lea, 1992; 1994). In particular, we review intra-group processes in private and public settings in order to advance our understanding of normative influence in groups.

Computer-mediated communication and social identity

The reader is asked to tolerate a degree of egocentrism if this chapter appears to be written from an “ingroup” point of view, particularly with an emphasis on our own theoretical slant, and to some extent research. This is after all meant to be a general overview chapter on social identity and CMC. Our excuse … Read more

Social processes in electronic teamwork: The central issue of identity.

In this chapter we argue that issues of identity are central to understanding how communication technologies affect organizational practice. We develop this argument by first reviewing some of the dominant approaches to understanding the social psychological processes implied or held responsible for CMC effects. We highlight the common themes underpinning these approaches, and trace their … Read more

Social Psychology of the Internet

Social psychology has a long history of researching the effects of communication technologies, such as the telephone and television, on individuals and groups. Social psychological research on the Internet has focused predominantly on text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC), such as e-mail, bulletin boards, newsgroups, conferencing, and chat. These have been compared both theoretically and empirically with … Read more

How social is Internet communication? A reappraisal of bandwidth and anonymity effects

The use of Internet communications has increasingly become part of our lives both at work and at home, for business and for recreation. Internet communications are augmenting and substituting for many of the interpersonal and group interactions that were previously conducted face-to-face. Surveys have repeatedly shown that electronic mail benefits business as a replacement for … Read more