Lea, et. al suggest that visual anonymity (where group members cannot be seen) in particular, leads to an increased propensity to participate in group-based self-categorization, where individuals perceive both themselves and others "in terms of their similarity to the prototypical group member." The researchers argue that this observed effect can be due to anonymity reducing interpersonal information and leading group members to emphasize group traits and information, thus prompting depersonalization. These results appear to align with the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effects model (SIDE) which proposes that a reduction in personal identity and self-awareness can lead to a fixation on social or group identity.

Increased Group Attraction through Self-Categorization and Stereotyping

Nguyen et al. found that, in a study where participants received feedback on a writing task from a source with varying degrees of power and anonymity, participants felt reduced feelings of annoyance and frustration regarding feedback from an anonymous source compared to an identifiable one (either a peer or higher-up). Feedback from both peers and higher-ups was also perceived as less useful than from an anonymous user. Nguyen et al. suggest that this is because participants perceived anonymous feedback as being more honest. Due to these findings, they propose that feedback systems in online communities should consider obscuring certain aspects of members' identity during feedback exchanges to encourage more positive reactions to critique.

Source Anonymity Affects Perceptions of Feedback

Anonymity can influence how individuals perceive themselves and their actions through interacting under the protection of anonymity, as well as how they perceive other anonymous community members and their actions.

Emory University

There are several themes to consider when assessing anonymity's effect on social cohesion these can include:

- Identity
- Conduct
- Participation
- Privacy/Security

It should be noted these categories are not clear cut and said effects can often be attributed to even two or all of these themes.

Dimensions of Anonymity's Impact on Social Cohesion

Lea, M., Spears, R., & Groot, D. (2001). Knowing Me, Knowing You: Anonymity Effects on Social Identity Processes within Groups. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27, 526–537. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167201275002

Anonymity Effects on Social Identity Processes within Groups

Anonymity and Identity

Anonymity can affect willingness to participate through removing identifying characteristics that could influence how an individual and their contributions are treated by their community. This can at times encourage more frequent and honest communication through minimizing status and power disparities. Effective implementation of anonymity can be especially useful when it comes to discussion of sensitive topics or scenarios where power dynamics can prevent open dialogue.

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