Abstract Book of the 8th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences Studies
Year: 2025
DOI:
[PDF]
Anonymous Intimacy in the Digital Age: Psychological Mechanisms, Risks, and Potential
Yujia Zhu
ABSTRACT:
The rise of anonymous online interactions is reshaping interpersonal dynamics, particularly in the realm of digital intimacy. This paper explores the psychological underpinnings of anonymous chatting and its impact on intimacy, emotional self-disclosure, and trust. Drawing from social penetration theory and the online disinhibition effect, the study examines how anonymity fosters deep self-revelation while also posing risks such as deception, emotional dependency, and digital addiction. The paradox of anonymous intimacy—offering both freedom and vulnerability—is further analyzed through the lens of trust formation, shared vulnerability, and the role of AI-driven chatbots in facilitating or hindering meaningful connections. Ethical concerns surrounding catfishing, cyberbullying, and misinformation are discussed, alongside potential therapeutic applications, including anonymous support groups and text-based crisis interventions. The paper concludes by addressing future directions for research, emphasizing the need for responsible technological advancements that balance privacy with accountability in digital intimacy.
Keywords: Anonymous Chatting, Digital Intimacy, Self-Disclosure, Online Disinhibition Effect, Trust and Vulnerability, AI Chatbots and Virtual Companionship, Cybersecurity and Privacy, Catfishing and Online Deception, Emotional Dependency and Digital Addiction, Therapeutic Applications of Anonymity