Cyber-space stands for computer space. In reality thatās what it is
anything that we see on the Internet is a file occupying
space on a computer somewhere. The Cyber-community therefore
comes to exist when files are shared. The simple fact that files are
shared however does not make for a community. It is essential
that interaction will take place. Some people even say
clicking become a spiritual experience. These communities can
be very interactive or just occasionally interactive. In any case
relationships develop between the members in this communities. This
is where Cyber-psychology comes in play. The communities are without
boundaries and become more interconnected every day. As we discussed in
class the tendency is towards one completely interconnected community.
This is definitely the trend. However it will never fully be implemented
. I think it would no be desirable anyway.
My Cyber personality
A major difference to the real world is that in cyberspace all aspects of
output are completely controllable. The consequence is that physical
aspects become obsolete. There are no eyes to the netizens. What ever they choose
to portray is what the rest of the world sees. This filters a lot
of noise out of the interactions. For example research shows that
we interact completely differently with people that we perceive as
good locking then with people we perceive as bad looking. These mechanisms
are often subconscious meaning that we can never know how we are really
perceived during interaction. The net does not allow for this opportunity
unless we choose to display pictures or video.
Cyber Presents
Dominance which came up during one of the class sessions is not
controllable and therefore probably only very limited existent. We chose
where we click and how long we want to stay at someoneās cyber-home
no one can make us stay and we can disconnect when ever we want.
Counceling
The Internet permits to be almost complete anonymous. This
creates a possibility for a huge forum of people that are otherwise
reluctant to seek counseling or interaction in the physical world
Due to these options Cyber-psychology comprises of a variety of areas
anything from counseling to dynamic of interaction groups and impact of
computer addiction. The site The Psychology of Cyberspace
is very resourceful and deals with a lot of these topics.
Here is an example of an extensive counseling and information center
on the net CYBER PSYCH