Online

Disinhibition and Cyberbullying

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP | GRADE 11

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How does online disinhibition sometimes �lead to cyberbullying?

Essential Question

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Learning Objectives

Define online disinhibition and describe how it can be both positive and negative.

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Explain how anonymity, lag time, and lack of nonverbal cues all contribute to online disinhibition.

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Analyze how online disinhibition can cause cyberbullying and brainstorm ways to counter it.

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KEY VOCABULARY

Cyberbullying

Using digital devices, sites, and apps to intimidate, �harm, and upset someone

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WARM UP: WATCH + DISCUSS

Discuss:

• What is your reaction to this story?
• Why might people target someone online like this?

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WATCH + DISCUSS

Part 1 Directions

As you watch the KQED Above the Noise video, take notes and answer the questions below.

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WATCH + DISCUSS

To watch this video on KQED Learn and to continue the discussion, click here.

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KEY VOCABULARY

Online disinhibition effect

When people behave differently online than they would in real life

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ACTIVITY: COUNTERING CYBERBULLYING

Although online disinhibition can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, it can often cause people to make hostile or mean comments. These comments can cause toxic drama and can even lead to cyberbullying. To counter this effect, we can pause before we post and think about how online disinhibition -- anonymity, lag time, and lack of nonverbal cues -- might be impacting our ideas and words. Complete the table to analyze how online disinhibition might be countered.

Part 2 Directions

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Shareable with attribution for noncommercial use. Remixing is permitted.