The concept of Deindividuation

I. Definition:
Deindividuation is a social psychology concept that explains the process of losing self-awareness and individual identity as a person enters a group. Simultaneously, that person will also adopt the social identity of the group. Deindividuation is effective in explaining the erratic and violent behaviors of crowds, lynch mobs, organization, etc.

II. Foundation:
Deindividuation takes place on grounds of three main elements:

1. Anonymity
2. Diffused responsibility
3. Group size

III. Role:
Deindividuation retains an influential factor in the course of history. By altering human behaviors of groups, it also changes the way governmental bodies react in terms of policies and legislation. Some examples of how individuation influences history through subsequent administrative actions are the lynch mobs and Reconstruction policies, the Nazi Party, Japanese expansion and World War II involvement, and the current day terrorist groups and foreign policies.