There is of course a large "surfer" population. As you quite rightly point out, this is the beauty of the technology -- it opens up the possibility of more choices, There is also a growing subculture of what is called The Internet is our mirror. We must take courage to look Professor Sherry Turkel of MIT, who wrote "Life on the Screen," has pioneered a clear path. As far as I know, Let me not forget to thank you, Dr. Suler, for this site and message board. You are providing a tremendous service to us all.
and choices naturally translate to greater personal
freedom.
"Netdenizens," the people who have adapted to a social
group and literally "live" online 24/7. It is impossible
to understand the internal dynamics of these groups without
being directly engaged on the "inside," as it were. My investigations and experimentation led me inside the labyrinth, so to speak,
during a six year period. I have done a very indepth comparative study of two separate groups, while also being acquainted with a number of others on the periphery of these two societies. During this time I logged all public and
private conversations, which means my research is voluminous. This affords an unprecedented close up view for
examining people's reactions to this technology. The logs reveal definate patters of behavior which I have to say are profoundly regressive. This is certainly alarming. However, there is a positive side to all this. This type of study allows us to view certain aspects of our society in microcosm, as the hidden social and psychological ills rise to the surface on our screens. This presents a unique opportunity to address a limitless number of serious social issues. For example, the overprescription of antidepressants, or the influences in our schools and environments leading to outbreaks like the Colombine massacre.
at that mirror, and I seriously urge mental health professionals to become more engaged on the "inside"
of online communities, rather than simply hypothesize
from a safe and abstract distance.
she and I are the only ones who have done this type of
research. Where are the others of her profession?
Non-professionals like me cannot do this kind of work alone indefinately. We need your help!
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