The Online Disinhibition Effect refers to the tendency of people to self-disclose or act more freely online than in face-to-face interactions. This phenomenon is influenced by six key factors: dissociative anonymity, invisibility, asynchronicity, solipsistic introjection, dissociative imagination, and minimization of authority. Personality traits also play a role in determining the extent of disinhibition. Rather than viewing disinhibition as a revelation of a "true self," it is better understood as a shift within self-structure, involving clusters of affect and cognition that differ from in-person behavior. Online disinhibition can manifest in two forms: benign and toxic. Benign disinhibition involves sharing personal information, kindness, and generosity, while toxic disinhibition includes rude language, anger, and harmful behavior. The distinction between these forms can be complex, as some actions may be therapeutic for some individuals or lead to regret for others. Dissociative anonymity allows individuals to hide their identity, reducing the psychological barriers that would normally inhibit self-disclosure. Invisibility, especially in text-based communication, further reduces the pressure to conform to social norms. Asynchronicity, where responses are delayed, can amplify disinhibition by reducing immediate social feedback. Solipsistic introjection occurs when individuals merge with the online companion's mind, leading to a sense of psychological closeness. Dissociative imagination allows people to create imaginary characters and environments, which can separate online behavior from real-world responsibilities. Minimization of authority reduces the influence of traditional power structures, making online interactions more open. Individual differences and predispositions also affect the degree of disinhibition. Personality styles, such as histrionic or compulsive, influence how people respond to online environments. The concept of disinhibition should not be seen as revealing a "true self," but rather as a shift within the self-structure, influenced by environmental and psychological factors. The online disinhibition effect can be understood as a shift to an intrapsychic constellation that may differ from in-person behavior. This model helps explain various online phenomena, including identity experimentation and role-playing. Online environments allow for diverse expressions of self, each revealing different aspects of identity. Understanding these dynamics can help in designing computer-mediated environments that support healthy self-expression and development.The Online Disinhibition Effect refers to the tendency of people to self-disclose or act more freely online than in face-to-face interactions. This phenomenon is influenced by six key factors: dissociative anonymity, invisibility, asynchronicity, solipsistic introjection, dissociative imagination, and minimization of authority. Personality traits also play a role in determining the extent of disinhibition. Rather than viewing disinhibition as a revelation of a "true self," it is better understood as a shift within self-structure, involving clusters of affect and cognition that differ from in-person behavior. Online disinhibition can manifest in two forms: benign and toxic. Benign disinhibition involves sharing personal information, kindness, and generosity, while toxic disinhibition includes rude language, anger, and harmful behavior. The distinction between these forms can be complex, as some actions may be therapeutic for some individuals or lead to regret for others. Dissociative anonymity allows individuals to hide their identity, reducing the psychological barriers that would normally inhibit self-disclosure. Invisibility, especially in text-based communication, further reduces the pressure to conform to social norms. Asynchronicity, where responses are delayed, can amplify disinhibition by reducing immediate social feedback. Solipsistic introjection occurs when individuals merge with the online companion's mind, leading to a sense of psychological closeness. Dissociative imagination allows people to create imaginary characters and environments, which can separate online behavior from real-world responsibilities. Minimization of authority reduces the influence of traditional power structures, making online interactions more open. Individual differences and predispositions also affect the degree of disinhibition. Personality styles, such as histrionic or compulsive, influence how people respond to online environments. The concept of disinhibition should not be seen as revealing a "true self," but rather as a shift within the self-structure, influenced by environmental and psychological factors. The online disinhibition effect can be understood as a shift to an intrapsychic constellation that may differ from in-person behavior. This model helps explain various online phenomena, including identity experimentation and role-playing. Online environments allow for diverse expressions of self, each revealing different aspects of identity. Understanding these dynamics can help in designing computer-mediated environments that support healthy self-expression and development.