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Listed below is a list of links to all the articles and pages in the hypertext book (web site) The Psychology of Cyberspace.The articles are arranged chronologically, with the most recently written or revised ones appearing near the top. The most recent date of the article, its version number, and its approximate size are indicated. Unless otherwise stated, the author of the article is John Suler, Ph.D. There also is a subject index and search engine for this book. Links on this page will produce a "pop-up" window placed on top of this window.
Psychotherapy and Clinical Work in Cyberspace
July 2000 - v1.0 (30k)
This page is the introduction and table of contents for the section devoted to psychotherapy and clinical work in cyberspace. It also contains a short introductory essay about the ethical, legal, and practical dilemmas about psychotherapy in cyberspace.
Maximizing the Well-Being of Online Groups: The Clinical Psychologist in Virtual Communities
July 2000 - v1.0 (27k)
My professional work in cyberspace has mostly involved creating, facilitating, and consulting to various online groups and communities. I consider this work to be a type of online clinical/community psychology. In this article I describe the types of situations that come up in this work. I also offer my Top Ten List of issues to consider when working with online groups.
Report of the ISMHO Online Clinical Case Study Group
July 2000 - v1.0 (41k)
One of the groups I created and facilitate, along with my colleague Michael Fenichel, is this case study group of the International Society for Mental Health Online. The group is devoted to in-depth discussions of psychotherapy and clinical cases in which the internet played an important role. This report summarizes the process and outcome for the first year of this group - what we called the "Millennium Group."
Working Hypotheses about Psychotherapy and Clinical Work in Cyberspace
July 2000 - v1.0 (27k)
This document lists the hypotheses about psychotherapy and clinical work in cyberspace that are being formulated by the ISMHO Clinical Case Study Group. Covering a wide range of theoretical ideas and techniques, it serves as the basis for an evolving, practical model to guide our understanding of how and for whom the various forms of online interventions can be applied most effectively.
Identity Managment in Cyberspace
April 2000 - v2.0 (27k)
In cyberspace you can alter your style of being just slightly or indulge in wild experiments with your identity. This article examines five factors that determine how people manage their online identities: level of dissociation and integration, positive and negative valence, level of fantasy and reality, level of conscious awareness and control, and the media chosen.
Identity Managment in Cyberspace
April 2000 - v2.0 (27k)
In cyberspace you can alter your style of being just slightly or indulge in wild experiments with your identity. This article examines five factors that determine how people manage their online identities: level of dissociation and integration, positive and negative valence, level of fantasy and reality, level of conscious awareness and control, and the media chosen.
In the Cyberspace Bubble: Full Immersion and f2f Isolation
March 2000 - v1.0 (28k)
What would happen if a person was locked into an apartment for an extended period of time, with no way of interacting with the world except via the internet? This article examines a possible research design for studying this full cyberspace immersion and f2f isolation.
Ethics in Cyberspace Research
Feb 2000 - v1.0 (20k)
This article applies the Ethical Standards of the American Psychological Association to research in cyberspace. Because cyberspace alters the temporal, spatial, and sensory components of human interaction, it requires a unique interpretation of such standards - particularly in the case of naturalistic studies. Informed consent, the right to privacy, and the researcher's contribution to the people being studied are all important issues.
Bringing Online and Offline Living Together: The Integration Principle
Jan 2000 - v1.0 (20k)
Integrating one's online identity and lifestyle with one's offline identity and lifestyle can lead to psychological growth. In this article, I discuss this "integration principle" and ways to bring one's in-person and cyberspace worlds together.
Extending a Work Group into Cyberspace
Jan 2000 - v1.0 (27k)
This article discusses how an in-person work group can be extended into cyberspace by creating an e-mail list for the group. It explores some practical suggestions for setting up the list, the benefits of an ongoing virtual meeting, and how using the list will change the communication style and interpersonal dynamics of the group.
Human Becomes Electric: Networks as Mind and Self
Jan 2000 - v2.0 (14k)
The internet resembles the human mind and collective human consciousness. Perhaps it is an independent mind or self! Where do we drawn the line between human and machine? Can we discover the True Self in cyberspace?
Intensive Case Studies in Cyberspace and the Evolution of Digital Life Forms
Jan 2000 - v1.5 (9k)
In-depth case studies can lead to a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the new life forms that are evolving in cyberspace.
Cyberspace Humor
Oct 1999 - v1.2 (34k)
A sample of cartoons and jokes about cyberspace. Is it just silly fun, or does this humor reveal something about our culture as well as our underlying anxieties about computers and the internet?
Internet Addiction in a Nutshell
Oct 1999 - v1.0 (8k)
For an article he was writing, Howard Rheingold asked about my opinion on the media's coverage of internet addiction. Making my reply as concise as possible, which he requested, was an intriguing challenge. Unfortunately, the editorial process of the zine trimmed my statement to something much more concise than I intended.
The Two Paths of Virtual Reality
Sept 1999 - v1.0 (44k)
Computer generated environments include true-to-life scenes, as well as highly imaginative scenarios. In the years to come, how will we use these virtual realities? In this article, I speculate about the "body immersion" and "brain stimulated" environments of future VR technology. Perhaps we will even use this technology to understand what "reality" is.
Computerized Psychotherapy
Aug 1999 - v1.0 (52k)
Can a computer conduct psychotherapy all by itself? In this article I compare the human therapist to the cybershrink, hypothesize about the types of psychotherapy a computer might be able to handle, and describe the results of a project in which my students interacted with the "Eliza" program. The finale is my speculation about the modules that might go into the ultimate computerized psychotherapy program.
Publishing Online: Idea Independence, Interdependence, and the Academic
Aug 1999 - v1.5 (52k)
Publishing online offers some interesting advantages over hardcopy: hypertext construction, multimedia, interactivity, limitless revivability, and personal independence. Academia needs to develop new methods for evaluating the quality of online publications.
One of Us: Participant Observation Research at the Palace
July 1999 - v1.5 (52k)
I firmly believe in participant-observation research as a method to understand a cyberspace social phenomenon "from the inside." This article gives a detailed account of the stages and techniques involved in my work/play within the Palace multimedia chat community.
Avatar Psychotherapy
June 1999 - v1.0 (20k)
This article discusses the possibility of an "avatar psychotherapy" in which the client and therapist enact imaginary scenarios with avatars in a virtual environment for the purpose of exploring and altering the various aspects of the client's sense of self.
Psychotherapy in Cyberspace
May 1999 - v1.0 (65k)
In this article I propose a 5 dimension model of psychotherapies conducted in cyberspace. The 5 dimensional features used to classify psychotherapies are synchronous/asynchronous, text/sensory, imaginary/actual, automated/interpersonal, and invisible/present.
Internet Demographics 1998
May 1999 - v1.0 (28k)
Some statistics about the gender, age, education, income, race, and geographic location of people on the internet. What do those statistics say about cyberspace?
Cyberspace as Dream World: Illusion and Reality at the "Palace"
April 1999 - v1.2 (80k)
The experience of the Palace multimedia chat community in many respects resembles a dreamlike state of consciousness. This article also explores the meanings of dreams that members have about Palace.
Do Boys Just Wanna Have Fun?: Gender-Switching in Cyberspace
April 1999 - v2.5 (23k)
Why do people switch their gender in cyberspace? Is it possible to detect someone who is faking his gender?
The Psychology of Avatars and Graphical Space in Multimedia Chat Communities
(or... How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Palace Props)
April 1999 - v2.7 (110k)
A comprehensive study of visual chat environments - how people use avatars to express themselves and interact with others, types of avatars, avatar collections, deviant avatar behavior, avatar evolution, and the psychological effect of graphical backgrounds.
Overview and Guided Tour
March 1999 - v1.0 (35k)
An overview of The Psychology of Cyberspace, with links to all of the articles in the book.
To Get What You Need: Healthy and Pathological Internet Use
March 1999 - v1.0 (48k)
An analysis of the factors for evaluating healthy versus pathological internet use, and the various psychological needs addressed by cyberspace (needs for sex, belonging, relationships, mastery and achievement, altered consciousness, self-actualization, transcendence)
Cyberspace as a Psychological Space
March 1999 - v1.7 (8k)
People experience cyberspace realms as psychological spaces with meaning and purpose, as an intermediate psychological zone between self and other, and even as an extension of their own minds.
Computer and Cyberspace Addiction
March 1999 - v1.8 (23k)
A discussion of the controversy over whether computer and cyberspace addictions are unique or "true" addictions, the possible criteria for defining such addictions, and the "integration principle" for evaluating pathological internet use.
Internet Addiction Support Group: Is There Truth in Jest?
March 1999 - v2.0 (13k)
Ivan Goldberg's criteria for defining pathological computer use and his announcement of a support group.... which he intended as a joke.
Nacey's Avatar Collection
Feb 1999 - v1.0 (12k)
This is a subsection of the long article on the psychology of avatars and graphical space. Here Nacey shows and explains to us a few of the avatars from her personal collection.
Y2K: Apocalyptic Thinking and the Tragic Flaw
Feb 1999 - v1.0 (20k)
Anxiety about the Y2K bug fuels some social movements as well as the personal insecurities of some individuals. It stems from fears about the unknown, interdependence, helplessness, and death - and reminds us of the tragic flaw that is human fallacy.
The Geezer Brigade: Steps in Studying an Online Group
Jan 1999 - v1.0 (41k)
A study of The Geezer Brigade - a group of online seniors who prefer to think of themselves as feisty codgers rather than "seniors." The article also explores the various steps in studying an online group, including the analysis of its leaders, membership, philosophy, history, and communication infrastructure.
Unique Groups in Cyberspace
Jan 1999 - v1.2 (5k)
A short ditty about how cyberspace offers the opportunity for unique groups to form - some good, some not.
Online Lingo: Language at "The Palace"
Jan 1999 - v1.7 (25k)
Online groups develop their own vocabulary that makes communication more efficient and bolsters the group's sense of identity. This article defines some of the words commonly found in the Palace chat communities.
Making Virtual Communities Work
Oct 1998 - v1.5 (10k)
Some technical and social guidelines to follow in order to create an online community that will thrive. Most important is the "integration principle."
E-mail Communication and Relationships
Aug 1998 - v1.0 (100k)
This comprehensive article examines the unique communication features of e-mail, types of e-mail users, the anatomy of an e-mail message, pacing of messages, e-mail archives, an e-mail make-over, and how relationships evolve via e-mail, including transference reactions and meeting f2f.
Online Therapy and Support Groups
Aug 1998 - v1.5 (5k)
A short piece about how therapy and support groups are springing up all over the internet. Some are led by professionals, some are grass roots. Online communities may have therapeutic qualities.
Online Psychotherapy and Counseling
Aug 1998 - v1.5 (7k)
A brief discussion of the three possibilities for conducting online psychotherapy: typed-text, audio visual conferencing, and imaginary environments.
Personality Types in Cyberspace
Aug 1998 - v1.5 (7k)
Different personality types may have their own unique style of behaving in cyberspace. This brief article recommends McWilliam's psychoanalytic work on personality types as a guideline for online research.
The Basic Psychological Features of Cyberspace
July 1998 - v1.5 (17k)
These features can make online encounters very different than those in the "real" world: limited sensory experience, identity flexibility and anonymity, equalization of status, transcending spatial boundaries, time stretching and condensation, access to numerous relationships, permanent records, altered and dream states, and black hole experiences.
Adolescents in Cyberspace: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
June 1998 - v1.0 (45k)
Knowing what makes adolescents tick helps explain what they are doing in cyberspace, and why. A need to achieve, to belong, to experiment with social skills and personal identity - all motivate the cyberteen. Given the dangers and benefits, how should parents be involved - especially if the adolescent becomes "addicted?"
Mom, Dad, Computer: Transference Reactions to Computers
March 1998 - v1.5 (31k)
People may not even realize it, but they may be reacting to their computer as if it is their mother, father, or sibling. This article explores the various twists and turns in people's transference reactions to computers and cyberspace.
Games Avatars Play: Entertaining and Educational Games Using Avatars
Nov 1997 - v1.0 (23k)
Avatars are the visual images people use to represent themselves in multimedia chat communities. Some of these games are purely fun. Others are excellent tools for exploring personal identity and online relationships.
A simple decision-making method for e-mail groups
Nov 1997 - v1.0 (10k)
Ever been on a mailing list that was trying to make a decision about something? Then you may appreciate this structured method for discussing and voting on an issue.
TextTalk: Psychological Dynamics of Online Synchronous Conversations
in Text-Driven Chat Environments
Oct 1997 - v1.0 (50k)
The text-only conversation of chat rooms seems chaotic at first. Later, you realize there is a unique method to the madness of "text talk." It is an art form.
The Bad Boys of Cyberspace: Deviant Behavior in
Online Multimedia Communities and Strategies for Managing it
Sept 1997 - v1.0 (275k)
The anonymity of cyberspace unleashes all sorts of misbehavior in people, ranging from inappropriate language to pedophilia. This long article explains the cultural and psychological dimensions of online deviance, catalogs the various types of deviant behavior in the Palace multimedia chat community, and discusses the various automated and interpersonal techniques for managing the misbehavior.
From ASCII to Holodecks: Cyberpsychology of an Online Multimedia Community
(summary of the Palace Study)
Aug 1997 - v1.0 (25k)
If you want a quick and concise summary of my research on the Palace chat community, this is it.
Legnek's Avatar Collection
July 1997 - v1.0 (8k)
This is a subsection of the long article on the psychology of avatars and graphical space. Here Legnek shows and explains to us a few of the avatars from his personal collection.
The Black Hole of Cyberspace
May 1997 - v1.0 (8k)
The internet is supposed to respond to us. But sometimes it doesn't. When we receive no reply (especially to an e-mail message), that black hole can draw out of us all sorts of anxieties and insecurities.
The Final Showdown Between In-Person and Cyberspace Relationships
(Can I Hold You in Cyberspace?)
May 1997 - v1.0 (26k)
We develop relationships by hearing, seeing, feeling, intuiting, even smelling and tasting (!) each other. Cyberspace and in-person encounters can be quite different on these dimensions of relating. Those differences have a dramatic effect on friendships and romances.
How many mail list subscribers does it take to change a light bulb? (author unknown)
May 1997 - v1.0 (7k) If you've ever participated on an e-mail list that was trying to reach a decision about something, you'll appreciate this humorous piece.
The Other Worlds (how Palace compares to other chat communities)
May 1997 - v1.0 (32k)
The Palace multimedia chat community is one among many major online communities. In this article, experienced users compare the Palace software and people to those of other worlds. One person focuses on deviant behavior in Worlds Away.
Cold Turkey: Messages from an Ex-Palace "Addict"
April 1997 - v1.0 (15k)
Many members of the Palace chat community talk and joke about being "addicted." A few members take the issue seriously and decide that it's time to "quit the habit." In these e-mails I received, one such member describes why and how he stopped cold turkey.
Knowledge, Power, Wisdom... and your very own asterisk:
Wizards at the "Palace"
April 1997 - v1.0 (88k)
Wizards are the members of the Palace chat community who host, educate, and police the population. This article describes what it's like being a wizard; their special powers, privileges, and perks; different types of wizards; and how users become wizards.
Communicative Subtlety in Multimedia Chat:
How many ways can you say "Hi" at the Palace?
March 1997 - v1.0 (16k)
Very simple keyboard characters and graphics can add much depth and subtlety to the basic act of saying "hello" in a multimedia chat encounter.
From Conception to Toddlerhood:
A History of the First Year (or so) of The Palace
Jan 1997 - v1.0 (103k)
A detailed account of what life was like in the "good old days" of the Palace multimedia chat community called "Main." I describe some important historical moments, including how the once small community grappled with the influx of many new users.
Cyberspace Romances (interview)
Dec 1996 - v1.0 (9k)
In this Interview with Jean-Francois Perreault of Branchez-vous! I talk about the causes, benefits, and pitfalls of cyberspace romances.
Internet Addiction (interview)
Nov 1996 - v1.0 (14k)
In this Interview with Morris Jones of Internet Australasia magazine , I respond to his questions about my article on Computer and Cyberspace Addictions.
Why is This Thing Eating My Life?
(Computer and Cyberspace Addiction at the "Palace")
Aug 1996 - v2.0 (32k)
This article - the first cyberspace piece I wrote - applies Maslow"s hierarchy of needs in understanding why people become so enthusiastically involved in the Palace multimedia chat community.
On Being a God: An Interview with Jim Bumgardner
In my e-mail interview with Jim, he describes the early stages of his developing the Palace multimedia chat software and his impressions of the pioneering community that evolved when Palace first went online. June 1996 - v1.0 (45k)
That's Me All Over: An Analysis of a Personal Avatar Collection
May 1996 - v1.0 (11k)
In the spirit of participant-observer research, I analyze my own collection of avatars that I have worn in the Palace multimedia chat community.
Unique Roles in Cyberspace
May 1996 - v1.0 (5k)
Cyberspace allows people to pursue roles that may not exist in the "real" world.
Transient and Long Term Online Relationships
May 1996 - v1.0 (5k)
The interactive power of the internet gives everyone an opportunity to meet people - sometimes in transient encounters, sometimes in long term friendships and romances.
Identity Managment in Cyberspace
May 1996 - v1.0 (7k)
In cyberspace, people can be themselves, present just a slice of their identity, take on an imaginary identity, or try to be invisible.
Transference Among People Online
May 1996 - v1.0 (4k)
A short description of how people"s past relationships lead them to misperceive each other online (transference). See the "Mom, Dad, Computer" article for a more in-depth analysis of transference reactions.
Applying Social-Psychology to Online Groups and Communities
May 1996 - v1.0 (7k)
A short piece about how the principles of in-person social psychology can be applied to online groups. However, new theories may need to be developed to explain some of the unique aspects of online behavior.
The Natural Life Cycle of Mailing Lists (by Kat Nagel)
May 1996 - v1.0 (7k)
A concise, insightful list of the 6 developmental stages of mailing lists, beginning with "enthusiasm" and ending with (ideally) "maturity."
Internet Addiction Questionnaire
May 1996 - v1.0 (7k)
An internet addiction questionnaire created by two German students that was posted to the Psychology of the Internet mailing list in July 1996. It"s a good example of how researchers are tackling this controversial issue.
A Comparison of Online, E-Mail, and In-Person Self-Help Groups
Using Adult Children of Alcoholics as a Model (by Wende Phillips)
Jan 1996 - v1.0 (70k)
One of my former students describes her research project on online ACOA groups. She talks about some of the basic communication features of chat and e-mail support groups, and compares these online groups to in-person groups.
The Internet Regression (by Norman Holland)
Jan 1996 - v1.0 (45k)
This is one of the earliest articles to be written about how the anonymity of cyberspace invites people to regress - usually by becoming hostile or extremely benevolent. Holland also explores the various sexual and parental fantasies that computers stir up in their users.
Review of "The Internet Regression"
Jan 1996 - v1.0 (6k)
My two cents on Norman Holland"s intriguing article "The Internet Regression."
Other pages in The Psychology of Cyberspace:
The Psychology of Cyberspace Home Page (table of contents)
Life at the Palace: A Cyberpsychology Case Study
(table of contents for the Palace Study subsection)
Subject Index
Comments from Readers
John Suler's Speaking and Workshop Topics
Copyright Notice
Search Engine for The Psychology of Cyberspace
BACK to the Psychology of Cyberspace home page