Defending Others Online: The Influence of Observing Formal and Informal Social Control on One's Willingness to Defend

Matthew Costello1, James Hawdon2, Ashley V Reichelmann2

  • 1Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.

Summary

Online self-help interventions against cyberhate are more likely when individuals feel connected and empathetic. Personal cyberhate experiences also increase intervention likelihood, suggesting pro-social online behavior is contagious.

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