The social psychology concept, deindividuation, is the psychological state in which a person has a diminished sense of individuality and personal responsibility, due to the anonymity of being in a crowd of people. (Psychology Concepts) Deindividuation can lead to poor self-control and is used to summarize crowd behaviors that result in police brutality, riots, and lynchings. These unbridled behaviors are usually provoked by the power of the group. When part of a crowd, people feel they cannot be held responsible for violent behavior hoping that their actions will be perceived as those of the group rather than their own behavior. Physical anonymity can lead a person to experience fewer social inhibitions. Many types of studies have been explored to prove this theory. In 1970, Philip Zimbardo conducted a study to shock women dressed in identical outfits that were similar to those of the Ku Klux Klan and hid their identities. The study also included women whose identities were revealed simply by wearing a large name tag. As a result, women hidden under Ku Klux Klan robes shocked scene attendees longer than those who had not hidden their identities. A similar test was conducted in 1995. Patricia Ellison, John Govern and their colleagues wanted to test deindividuation on the street. The confederate this time waited after the light turned green for 12 seconds to see how the 4x4 vehicles and the convertible with the top down reacted to the wait, exposing the driver behind the confederate. The 4x4s that were relatively anonymous with the roof up honked -third sooner, twice as often and for almost twice as long. (Meyers)In 1976, a research team led by Ed Diener ingeniously demonstrated the effect of both being in a group and... acting impulsively by observing others act similarly. There is a sense of belonging and acceptance. Furthermore, impulsive group action absorbs our attention. (Meyers) Being made self-aware, as opposed to deindividuation, by acting in front of a mirror or camera, shows self-control where actions reflect their attitudes. The important thing is to find balance and self-control. In other words, when you are in the presence of others, be aware of yourself; maintain your personal identity; be wary of deindividuation. Work cited Castillo, Michael del. "Every man's entourage." BizJournals. Np, May 22, 2012. Web. March 14, 2014. Meyers, David. Exploring social psychology. 6th ed. Manhattan: McGraw-Hill, 2012. Print."Diener, Fraser, Beaman, and Kelem (1976)." Wikipedia. NP Network. March 16 2014.