Psychological Aspects of Cyberspace: Theory, Research, Applications

Cambridge University Press, 2008-05-05
EAN 9780521873017, ISBN10: 0521873010

Hardcover, 318 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 2.2 cm
Language: English

Hundreds of millions of people across the world use the Internet every day. Its functions vary, from shopping and banking to chatting and dating. From a psychological perspective, the Internet has become a major vehicle for interpersonal communication that can significantly affect peoples 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 which 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.

'I was particularly excited as I started to read the chapters describing the nature and functioning of online groups and motivation related to Wikipedia contributions. ... Psychological Aspects of Cyberspace: Theory, Research, Applications provides researchers and students with a rich and diverse set of concepts to study as they explore the psychological aspects of this new reality.' Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books