Understanding the Psychology of Internet Behaviour: Virtual Worlds, Real Lives

by Adam N. Joinson

The Internet is transforming business, education, and maybe even ourselves. In this timely and unique text, Adam Joinson provides a clear, engaging and lively summary of the psychology of the Internet, while at the same time drawing lessons from previous technologies as diverse as the early telephone, telegraph, and even radio hams. Mixing anecdote with findings from psychological studies, this book provides a clear, compelling and insightful vision of the psychology of the Internet, and the implications for the design of future technologies.

Genres: Research, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bhuvana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book helped me for my class. I kind of aced it . Thank you for very much.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Understanding the Psychology of Internet Behavior” helped me understand what drives human’s addiction to being plugged into the internet. For years I have tried to grasp why people are so addicted to online fantasy games and spend their entire lives sucked into these environments. Their real world relationships crumble while they fight and develop online lives with other gamers that they “may” never meet outside the confines of the online world. This has always frustrated me since I find online fantasy gaming fairly boring.

I also have had difficulty understanding why people are obsessed with checking their e-mail, text-messaging everyone all the time, and so on. I go days with out even touching a computer. If it wasn’t for work related activities I probably wouldn’t interact with the internet/PC at all.

Joinson’s book does an excellent job of lying out were the internet behavior originated from, how it is built, and what drives it. I found this resource well researched, easy to understand, and it gave me a much clearer view of what is happening now with the internet and what is to come in the future.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much does what it says on the tin. Joinson looks at how and why people behave the way they do online. Looks at the concept of the "real self" online, how the internet is or is not replacing face-to-face relationships/activities, self-disclosure and online communities. Among other things.

Clearly written and interesting.

[Bigg Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to the communicative, social, and psychological aspects of computer mediated communication.