Empathy and authenticity online: The roles of moral identity, moral disengagement, and parenting style

Abstract

Objectives Research suggests that the Internet could be considered an arena for both virtuous and vicious behaviors, with observations of enhanced perspective‐taking and honest self‐reflections occurring alongside evidence of cyberbullying and deceptive communications. In the current study, we explore the role of three widely recognized sources of moral behavior—moral identity, moral disengagement, and authoritative parenting—in predicting adolescents’ online empathy and online authenticity. Method In total, 788 UK adolescents aged 11–18 years (66% male) completed measures of these key constructs. Results Structural equation modeling results suggest that parental responsiveness and autonomy granting are positively related to adolescents’ moral identity. In turn, moral identity was positively related to both online empathy and online authenticity. Having a stronger moral identity also meant that adolescents were less likely to morally disengage, and moral disengagement was negatively related to online authenticity in adolescent females. Partial invariance across gender and age was observed. Conclusions The findings indicate that moral identity encourages moral thoughts, feelings, and actions in the online environment, including being authentic and empathic. As the formation and accessibility of one's moral identity can be promoted, we discuss the implications of these findings for cultivating prosocial behavior in the online environment as well as future research avenues.

Effect of Computer-Simulated Leaders’ Compromise on Members’ Emotional State and Protest Behavior

“…Recently McClellan (2018) referred “connective action,” instead of collective action, as a new reality to take into account within this field of research. Research has been showing that when people are interacting online, they tend to display high levels of disinhibition (the online disinhibition effect; Suler, 2004; see also; Morgan, Fowers, & Kristjansson, 2018). Protest behavior occurred in our scenario might have been exacerbated as compared to face-to-face protest, due to participants’ potential disinhibition.…”

Pengaruh Gaya Pengasuhan Orang Tua, Identitas Moral,dan Pemisahan Moralremaja Terhadap Perilaku Cyberbullyingremaja

“…Orang tua juga dapat mengungkapkan kekecewaan kepada remaja untuk perkembangan moral yang lebih efektif (Patrick et al, 2018). Hasil penelitian menjelaskan pengawasan dan dukungan ibu yang lebih rendah terkait dengan tingkat pemisahan moral yang lebih tinggi pada remaja (Morgan & Fowers, 2021).…”

“I’m Always Available”: Early Adolescent and Parent Perspectives of Parenting through Interactive Technology

“…Sanders and colleagues found that screen time is best managed using rules and enforcement strategies by parents who communicate clearly and warmly with their adolescents [26]. Furthermore, parenting practices including demonstrations of warmth and demandingness, as well as autonomy granting behaviors, have been associated with positive adolescent online behavior [27].…”