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Language and Text
2026. Vol. 13, no. 1, 179–193
doi:10.17759/langt.2026130113
ISSN: 2312-2757 (online)

The impact of anonymity on the linguistic behavior of young students on the Internet

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. Today's youth spends a significant amount of time on the internet, where anonymity is a common phenomenon. The relevance of this study lies in the need to understand the impact of anonymity on the linguistic behavior of young people in the online environment, particularly in terms of aggression, the use of profanity, and other forms of deviant behavior. The problem is exacerbated by the prevalence of cyberbullying and hate speech on the internet, which requires the development of effective prevention and correction strategies. Objective. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of anonymity on the linguistic behavior of student youth in the online environment. Hypothesis. It is assumed that anonymity in online communication contributes to an increase in aggression, the use of profanity, and a decrease in self-control in the linguistic behavior of young students. Methods and materials. The study used questionnaire methods and experimental modeling of online communication with manipulation of the level of anonymity. The statistical methods used were the Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis. The sample consisted of 179 first- to fourth-year students, with an average age of M = 20.1 (SD = 1.3), with 49.7% male and 50.3% female participants. Results. The results of the study showed that anonymity is statistically significantly associated with an increase in aggression and the use of profanity in online communication among students. There is also a decrease in self-control and responsibility for one's statements in an anonymous environment. Conclusions. The study revealed a statistically significant impact of anonymity in the online environment on the linguistic behavior of young students, which manifested itself in increased aggression, increased use of profanity, and decreased self-control. The findings indicate a disinhibiting effect of anonymity, which leads to a weakening of normative control over speech activity. The results highlight the need for preventive measures aimed at fostering responsible and conscious online behavior among young people.

General Information

Keywords: anonymity, language behavior, online communication, young people, students, cyberbullying, aggression, disinhibition

Journal rubric: Linguodidactics and Innovations.Psychological Basis of Learning Languages and Cultures.

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/langt.2026130113

Received 30.01.2026

Revised 28.02.2026

Accepted

Published

For citation: Mikhailova, T.A., Shilinа, I.B. (2026). The impact of anonymity on the linguistic behavior of young students on the Internet. Language and Text, 13(1), 179–193. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/langt.2026130113

© Mikhailova T.A., Shilinа I.B., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Tatiana A. Mikhailova, Candidate of Science (Education), Associate Professor, Chair of social communication and organization of work with young people, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4553-778X, e-mail: mihailovata@mgppu.ru

Irina B. Shilinа, Doctor of History, chair of social communication and organization of work with young people, Moscow State University of psychology and education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6226-0436, e-mail: ShilinaIB@mgppu.ru

Contribution of the authors

Tatiana A. Mikhailova — application of statistical, mathematical or other methods for data analysis; conducting the experiment; data collection and analysis; visualization of research results.

Irina B. Shilina — ideas; annotation, writing and design of the manuscript; planning of the research; control over the research.

All authors participated in the discussion of the results and approved the final text of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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