The Lucifer Effect: Deindividuation

In Chapter 13 of the Lucifer Effect, Zimbardo discusses the topic of deindividuation.  I found it interesting that as soon as a person becomes anonymous, they are so much more likely to commit crimes they never would have if they were identifiable.  This is seen originally in the Stanford Prison experiment, when the guards' eyes (and identities) were concealed by reflective sunglasses.  Zimbardo drew the conclusion from their actions that anything that makes a person feel or seem anonymous decreases their sense of personal accountability.  Without holding themselves accountable for their actions, they are more likely to commit evil actions.  And, when put into a situation where it is socially acceptable to be violent or rude to others, people are ready to do things they never would have normally.

In daily life, these conclusions can also be seen.  When people treat you as just a person rather than a unique individual, a feeling of anonymity is achieved.  In a study where some college students were treated kindly and some treated as "guinea pigs", those who felt anonymous were more likely to steal from the professor when left alone in his office.  The lack of identifiability can result in "evil" behaviour a person would not likely engage in normally.