Which of the following situations exemplifies de-individuation?

De-individuation refers to a psychological state where individuals in a group lose self-awareness and a sense of individual accountability, which can lead to behavior that deviates from social norms or personal standards. This phenomenon often occurs in situations where individuals feel anonymous or are part of a larger crowd, thereby decreasing feelings of personal responsibility.

In the context of the given question, the situation of a person actively participating in a protest while wearing a mask exemplifies de-individuation. The mask provides anonymity, which can diminish individual self-consciousness and lead to behaviors that might not be exhibited in a non-anonymous context. This anonymity allows individuals to feel less accountable for their actions and potentially engage in more extreme or collective behaviors that align with the group dynamic of the protest.

The other scenarios presented do not illustrate de-individuation as clearly. A student completing homework alone in a quiet room reflects a state of personal focus and responsibility rather than the loss of self-awareness. An individual volunteering at a homeless shelter showcases altruistic behavior tied to individual identity and accountability, while a performer engaging with an audience involves active interaction where the performer is quite aware of their individual role and the expectations of the audience. Thus, those situations lack the characteristics that define de-individuation.