The Effect of Perceived Anonymity on Online Transgressions: The Moderating Role of Moral Excuses

Abstract

With the development of science and technology, the use of the Internet is becoming more and more widespread. However, with the popularity of the Internet, some problems have gradually surfaced. The anonymity of internet use has become a breeding ground for many acts that are contrary to public decency, and this study is conducted against this background. This study explored the impact of perceived anonymity on online transgressions and investigated the moderating effect of moral excuses. A total of 414 subjects, 210 males and 204 females, participated in this experimental survey. The SPSS data analysis concluded that perceived anonymity played a significant positive predictive role on online deviance (p < 0.01), and the moderating role of moral excuses was not significant. This study will be conducive to the better implementation of the action of clearing cyberspace and to the regulation of public behaviour in cyberspace.