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The online sexual disinhibition effect

International Journal of Impotence Research (2024)Cite this article

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Coined by Suler [1], the online disinhibition effect (ODE) elucidates the attenuation of psychological barriers in individuals, during online interactions, thereby eliciting behaviors that diverge from those exhibited during face-to-face interactions [1]. The online milieu confers anonymity, is characterized by facile communication, and lacks eye contact, thereby serving as a crucible for the manifestation of ODE [2]. Primarily, ODE is shaped by six pivotal factors: asynchronicity, dissociative anonymity, dissociative imagination, invisibility, minimization of authority, and solipsistic introjection [1, 3]. To date, ODE has been categorized into two classes: benign disinhibition (BD) and toxic disinhibition (TD), which represent the poles of the behavioral spectrum [1].

BD commonly manifests as acts of service, kindness, generosity, and heightened self-disclosure of fears, emotions, secrets, and aspirations [4]. The extent of these manifestations is significantly influenced by situational cues, such as anonymity, invisibility, absence of eye contact, fostering self-disclosure, and prosocial conduct [5]. For instance, individuals grappling with social anxiety may find solace in expressing themselves more openly and articulating their feelings in cyberspace [6, 7].

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Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the invaluable input and unwavering support received from Harsh Anchan (Saint Joseph’s University, USA); Neelavro Pal (University of Pennsylvania, USA); Md Rihanool Islam (Saint Joseph’s University, USA); Joseph Tanfani III (Saint Joseph’s University, USA); and Rohit Sharma (University of Pennsylvania, USA).

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Ryan Varghese

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  1. Ryan Varghese
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RV: conceptualization, data curation, writing—original draft; writing—review and editing, supervision, resources, project administration.

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Correspondence to Ryan Varghese.

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Varghese, R. The online sexual disinhibition effect. Int J Impot Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-024-00869-8

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