Online Impression Formation and Group Affiliation

• In Event: Top Four Student Papers in Human Communication & Technology

Abstract

This study challenged the ingroup/outgroup bifurcation within the social identity model of deindividuation effects (SIDE). A 2 (high vs. low cues) x 3 (ingroup, moderate outgroup, extreme outgroup affiliation) experiment was conducted to examine how members of an ingroup view individuals belonging to various outgroups. Findings generally supported SIDE, although an interaction effect was observed between group affiliation and the number of cues to that identity.

Authors

• Caleb T. Carr, Michigan State University

• Caitlin McLaughlin, Michigan State University

• Jessica Vitak, Michigan State University