What phenomenon occurs when individuals act differently in a group setting due to anonymity?

The phenomenon that occurs when individuals act differently in a group setting due to anonymity is known as deindividuation. This concept refers to the loss of self-awareness and self-restraint in group situations, leading to a decrease in social inhibition and an increase in impulsive behaviors. When individuals feel anonymous, they are less likely to adhere to social norms and may engage in actions they would typically avoid in more individualistic settings.

In situations where people feel part of a larger group, such as during a crowd or online environment where they may not be easily identifiable, the usual constraints of individual accountability can diminish. This can result in behaviors ranging from uninhibited jubilance in celebrations to more negative actions such as aggression or vandalism, which individuals might not typically engage in if they were alone or identifiable.

The other options do not align with the concept of anonymity in group dynamics. Empowerment relates to gaining strength or confidence, cultural relativism focuses on understanding cultures within their own context, and ethnicity pertains to shared cultural characteristics or identities. Therefore, deindividuation is specifically tied to how anonymity influences behavior in group settings.