The ability to access and filter through
numerous potential relationships, as well as the stretching of spatial
boundaries, has resulted in unique groups forming online that may never
have existed in-person. The needs addressed by these online groups may
be needs that traditional in-person organizations and institutions have
been unable to address. Such groups may be a gold mine for social-psychological
research. While some of these groups are potentially beneficial and
healthy (self-help groups, special interest consumer and hobbyist groups,
etc.), the value of others is questionable and in some cases obviously
pathological (e.g., pedophile groups). Nevertheless, even these pathological
groups can be a source of valuable information for researchers who are
attempting to understand and remedy important psychological and social
problems. The various unique groups forming in cyberspace are a crystalization
of the various hidden facets of the larger, in-person culture.
See also in The Psychology of Cyberspace:
Wizards: The heart of an online community
Therapy and support groups in cyberspace
The Geezer Brigade
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