Cyber-Me - Analyzing the Effects of Perceived Stigma of Physically Disabled People on the Disguise of the Real Self in Virtual Environments

Several studies reveal the option to disguise a disability in online interaction, but none sufficiently analyzes the various factors contributing to a disguise. The primary aim of this paper is to quantify the impact of social psychological factors like stigma consciousness (i.e. expectation of prejudice and discrimination in social interaction) and self-consciousness on the disguise of the real self in online environments among people with physical disabilities. This paper uses data from an online survey with 130 participants to construct a conceptual model related to these factors. Findings reveal that stigma consciousness positively impacts the disguise of the real self. While the body and a physical disability may not be present in the online environment, it plays an important role in how people with disabilities present themselves when they expect stigmatization.