Accounts Quote by Sherry Turkle
“It all stems from the same thing - which is that when we are face to face - and this is what I think is so ironic about Facebook being called Facebook, because we are not face to face on Facebook ... when we are face to face, we are inhibited by the presence of the other. We are inhibited from aggression by the presence of another face, another person. We're aware that we're with a human being. On the Internet, we are disinhibited from taking into full account that we are in the presence of another human being.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Interview on Social Media and Human Interaction, 2015
Being physically present with another person curbs aggressive behavior, while online anonymity removes that restraint, leading to disinhibition.
In simple terms: Face‑to‑face presence restrains aggression; online anonymity frees it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate online disinhibition.
Themes
social behavior
technology
psychology
communication
ethics
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- digital communication
- conflict resolution
- team meetings
- customer service
- online communities
Key Concepts
social presence
inhibition
disinhibition
online anonymity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does physical presence change your tone?
- What safeguards can reduce online aggression?
A Different Perspective
Online anonymity can also foster honesty and vulnerability, not just aggression.
