Psychological aspects of cyberspace : theory, research, applications / edited by Azy Barak.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Barak, Azy.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cyberspace--Psychological aspects.

Cyberspace.

Internet users--Psychology.

Internet users.

Psychology.

Psychological aspects.

Physical Description:

xx, 298 pages : illustrations, map ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Summary:

Hundreds of millions of people across the world use the Internet every day. Its functions vary, from shopping and banking to socializing, dating, and getting help in numerous areas. From a psychological perspective, the Internet has become a major vehicle for interpersonal communication that can significantly affect people's decisions, behaviors, attitudes, and emotions. Moreover, its existence has created a virtual social environment in which people can meet, negotiate, collaborate, and exchange goods and information. Cyberspace is not just a technical device but a phenomenon that has reduced the world to a proverbial global village, fostering collaborations and international cooperations, thus reducing the barriers of geographical distance and indigenous cultures. Azy Barak and a team of prominent social scientists review a decade of scientific investigations into the social, behavioral, and psychological aspects of cyberspace, collating state-of-the-art knowledge in each area. Together they develop emerging conceptualizations and envisage directions and applications for future research.

Contents:

1 Reflections on the Psychology and Social Science of Cyberspace / Azy Barak, John Suler 1

2 Privacy, Trust, and Disclosure Online / Carina B. Paine Schofield, Adam N. Joinson 13

3 Internet Abuse: Emerging Trends and Lingering Questions / Janet Morahan-Martin 32

4 Flow Experience in Cyberspace: Current Studies and Perspectives / Alexander E. Voiskounsky 70

5 Cybertherapeutic Theory and Techniques / John Suler 102

6 Exposure in Cyberspace as Means of Enhancing Psychological Assessment / Azy Barak, Liat Hen 129

7 Down the Rabbit Hole: The Role of Place in the Initiation and Development of Online Relationships / Andrea J. Baker 163

8 The Sexy Side of the Internet: An Examination of Sexual Activities and Materials in Cyberspace / Monica T. Whitty, William A. Fisher 185

9 The Contact Hypothesis Reconsidered: Interacting via Internet: Theoretical and Practical Aspects / Yair Amichai-Hamburger 209

10 Influences on the Nature and Functioning of Online Groups / Katelyn Y. A. McKenna (Yael Kaynan) 228

11 Online Motivational Factors: Incentives for Participation and Contribution in Wikipedia / Sheizaf Rafaeli, Yaron Ariel 243

12 How Internet-Mediated Research Changes Science / Ulf-Dietrich Reips 268.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780521873017

0521873010

9780521694643

0521694647

OCLC:

181368721

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description