Account Quote by Sherry Turkle
“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 Book: Reclaiming Conversation, Sherry Turkle, 2015
Physical presence curbs aggressive impulses; online anonymity removes that check.
In simple terms: Seeing others in person reduces aggression.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate face‑to‑face interactions to foster empathy.
Themes
empathy
digital behavior
social psychology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- work meetings
- classroom discussions
- family gatherings
- online forums
Key Concepts
deindividuation
online disinhibition
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies can restore humanity in digital spaces?
- Can anonymity ever be beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Online anonymity can also enable positive self‑expression.
