The Psychology of the Internet

New
Hardcover
1999
$51.16

This timely volume explores the psychological aspects of cyberspace, a virtual world in which people from around the globe are acting and interacting in many new, unusual, and occasionally alarming ways. Drawing on research in the social sciences, communications, business, and other fields, the book examines how the online environment can influence the way we behave, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Our own on-line behavior then becomes part of the Internet's psychological environment for others, creating opportunities for shaping the way this new territory for human interaction is unfolding. Because the Internet - and our experience within it - is still young, we have a rare window of opportunity to influence the course of its development. This new edition contains the latest coverage of ecommerce, exploring how it influences online behavior. It also covers workplace surveillance and datamining, indicating how they affect trust.

Synopsis

This timely volume explores the psychological aspects of cyberspace, a virtual world in which people from around the globe are acting and interacting in many new, unusual, and occasionally alarming ways. Drawing on research in the social sciences, communications, business, and other fields, the book examines how the online environment can influence the way we behave, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Our own on-line behavior then becomes part of the Internet's psychological environment for others, creating opportunities for shaping the way this new territory for human interaction is unfolding. Because the Internet - and our experience within it - is still young, we have a rare window of opportunity to influence the course of its development. This new edition contains the latest coverage of ecommerce, exploring how it influences online behavior. It also covers workplace surveillance and datamining, indicating how they affect trust.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 264
Edition: 1st Edition.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 13 Sep 1999
ISBN 10: 0521632943
ISBN 13: 9780521632942
Book Overview: Delves into the psychological aspects of the virtual world to understand why humans often behave differently in cyberspace.

Media Reviews

Reviews of hardback: 'A refreshingly level-headed survey.' The Guardian
' ... fascinating ...'. The Independent
Patricia Wallace's survey of psychological issues related to the use of the Internet is simply the best overall book about the topic. Detailed, yet highly accessible, it is written so that anyone with an interest in the topic (and who wouldn't be?), can find some useful and helpful fact or story in this book's pages. Edward J. Valauskas
Wallace has written an ambitious book on the psychological dynamics of the Internet in all its forms--e-mail, chat rooms, the web etc. Recommended for larger public libraries... Library Journal
Wallace has written an ambitious book on the psychological dynamics of the Internet in all its forms--e-mail, chat rooms, the web etc. Recommended for larger public libraries... Library Journal
The writing style is scholarly but not stiff. It is rigorous but rigor mortis hasnot set in. The reader is enlightened by anecdotes... The text is further enlivened by jokes... This book is a substantial scholarly contribution to our understanding of the experience and behaviour of the person on the Internet. W. Lambert Gardiner
This book is critical reading for anyone interested in what the Internet really signifies for people. If you've already read what some other authors have penned about the Internet and the new era in civilization it represents, this book may serve to reeducate you. The Bloomsbury Review
Is online pornography turning people into sex maniacs? Do men and women behave differently on the Web? Is the Internet addictive? If answers are available, they're here. Psychology Today
This book is critical reading for anyone interested in what the Internet really signifies for people. If you've already read what some other authors have penned about the Internet and the new era in civilization it represents, this book may serve to reeducate you. The Bloomsbury Review
Patricia Wallace's new book is a timely and thoughtful attempt to provide some answers. To call it an attempt is no insult...it is premature to draw firm conclusions on this subject. The Amarillo, Texas News-Globe
This title is one of the very few so far to approach the Internet from a more respectful angle, through the focus and interpretation of an academic perspective. Yet this is no typically dull academic result, but a fascinating and insightful examination of what is emerging from the growth of the electronic network....From compulsive overuse to role playing and electronic brainstorming, this book can help Internet users--individuals and businesses--get a better grasp on what is going on, what is possible, and what may happen in the future. The American Forecaster Newsletter, September 1999
well written...an important book for individual web surfers, but should be particularly enlightening to those who manage electronic work groups, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and other online facilities where many users gather -- and squabble. Puget Sound Computer User