Dicing with Deception: People with Disabilities' Strategies for Managing Safety and Identity Online

Abstract

The visual anonymity associated with online interaction offers people with disabilities the potential to participate in social interaction beyond the stigma of a disabled identity. In problematizing traditional notions of reality, however, the online medium also has the potential to become a deceptive social space where people with disabilities become victims of malevolent acts. Considering the dilemma surrounding the choice to participate, this study investigates how people with disabilities are managing issues of deception and harm in online contexts. A discursive psychology framework is utilized. The research was conducted in New Zealand where 21 participants with physical and sensory disabilities volunteered to participate in an online interview. Two different repertoires enabled people with disabilities to manage the dilemma of engaging in a medium where there is potential for benefit and harm. A keeping safe repertoire deployed three safety strategies to protect participants from deceptive acts. Data from several participants was also categorized under a qualified deception repertoire. This allowed participants to access new subjective experiences outside of a disabled identity and to extend their online engagement beyond keeping safe. Both repertoires maintained participants' integrity as online users.

Theories and Methods for Studying Online Communities for People with Disabilities and Older People

“…Especially asynchronous communication, allows people to construct messages at their own pace and time, which is particularly beneficial for people who have difficulties engaging in oral face-to-face conversations or who have a slower typing speed (Bowker and Tuffin 2003). Most asynchronous online communities allow people to view previous messages, which might be a helpful support for people with memory impairments (Lewin 2001).…”

“…The advantages and disadvantages seem to be exaggerated for people with disabilities, as this user group is believed to benefit most from anonymous communication, but at the same time also presents a group vulnerable towards deceptive and rude behaviour. Bowker and Tuffin (2003) interviewed 21 people with physical and sensory disabilities and asked them about their engagement in online communities and their strategies and thoughts about anonymity and deception. Findings illustrated that users develop strategies in order to keep themselves safe from possible harmful behaviours of others.…”

“…Not revealing their disability protects them from such reactions in online communities. The deception in these situations is justified, as it is seen as a protection from possible harmful treatments from others (Bowker and Tuffin 2003). Bowker and Tuffin (2002) also investigated how people with disabilities choose to disclose information about themselves and their disability.…”

“…One example of this is reported in Bowker and Tuffin (2003), and describes an incident when an able-bodied person appeared in an online community as a severely disabled girl. After a while, the same person also posted as the boyfriend of this girl and both triggered a lot of concern and emotional support from other members of the online community.…”

“…Online communities offer older people and people with disabilities the opportunity to interact with others without leaving the house, which can prevent isolation and decrease loneliness (Bradley and Poppen 2003). However, research has found that there are also special challenges when it comes to online communities for people with disabilities, as deception and misbehaviour in online communities for people with disabilities can have harmful consequences, especially for a vulnerable user group (Bowker and Tuffin 2003). Further research is needed to investigate the benefits and challenges of online communities for people with disabilities and the elderly, and to fully understand how online communities can be utilized to support these user groups in their daily life.…”