This research explores the impact of cyberostracism—being ignored or excluded online—on individuals. Two online experiments manipulated ostracism levels in a virtual ball-tossing game. Study 1 (1486 participants from 62 countries) found that ostracized participants reported feeling worse, less in control, and less belonging. Study 2 showed ostracized participants were more likely to conform on a subsequent task. Results support the need threat theory of ostracism, demonstrating its effects even in remote, artificial settings.
Publisher
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Published On
May 10, 2000
Authors
Kipling D. Williams, Christopher K. T. Cheung, Wilma Choi
Tags
cyberostracism
online exclusion
virtual interaction
need threat theory
social belonging
conformity
emotional impact
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