To which type of phenomenon does the term "deindividuation" refer?

Deindividuation refers to the psychological state that occurs in group settings where individuals lose their self-awareness and individual accountability. This loss often happens because the presence of others creates a sense of anonymity and reduces feelings of personal responsibility. When people are part of a larger group, they may feel less identifiable, which can lead to behaviors that are not consistent with their personal morals or values.

In settings where deindividuation occurs—such as large crowd gatherings or online communities—individuals might engage in acts they would typically avoid if they were alone. This can manifest in both positive and negative behaviors. For instance, it might lead to collective behaviors like celebrating a victory enthusiastically, or on the darker side, it could result in rioting or mob violence. The key characteristic of deindividuation is that it diminishes self-awareness and can change how individuals act in social contexts, often leading to impulsive or extreme behaviors driven by the group dynamic rather than personal values or norms.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of deindividuation. Increased self-regulation implies that individuals are controlling their behavior, while gaining individual recognition suggests a focus on personal identity, which conflicts with the group identity created in deindivid