Kurman defines modesty as ‘‘the public under-presentation of one’s favorable traits and abilities’’ (p. 501). She specifically
examined the relationship between modesty requirements and low self-enhancement in collectivistic cultures. Kurman found support for the notion that cultural restrictions, such as the requirement of displaying modesty, are mainly responsible for low self-enhancement found in certain collectivist cultures. We therefore assume that modesty not only explains low self-enhancement, but it may also account to some extent for collectivists’ reluctance to actively participate in online community discussions, in order to avoid creating the impression of bragging.