Disinhibitory effect involves engaging in a previously inhibited, deviant behavior as a result of observing a model . The Inhibitory effect involves refraining from a deviant behavior. (see Inhibitory/disinhibitory effect.)
In the psychology context, the disinhibitory effect refers to a phenomenon where the presence of others reduces inhibitions, resulting in an increase in impulsive and sometimes aggressive behavior. In other words, when people feel less accountable for their actions due to the presence of others, they may engage in behaviors they would not otherwise do.
One classic example of the disinhibitory effect is the "bystander effect," where people are less likely to offer help to someone in need when there are other people present. In one well-known case, Kitty Genovese was murdered outside her apartment building while many neighbors witnessed the attack but did not intervene or call the police.
Another example of the disinhibitory effect is seen in the behavior of people in crowds, such as during riots or other public disturbances. When people are part of a large group, they may feel a sense of anonymity and reduced accountability, which can lead to increased aggression and destructive behavior.
The disinhibitory effect can also occur in online interactions, where people may feel emboldened to engage in aggressive or bullying behavior due to the relative anonymity of the internet.