The new virtual era is already here. We use the internet every day, to retrieve information, to purchase merchandise, and to connect with others. But do we really understand the psychology of the internet and how it affects our lives? In this book, Dr Haim Weinberg looks at cyberspace from a group analytic perspective, conceptualizing internet forums as large groups with the illusion of being small groups, and using his expertise as a group therapist to shed new light on internet connections. He explores issues of attachment, relationships, inter-subjectivity, and neuroscience, and shows their relevance to the virtual world. He discusses the question of intimacy and develops a new concept of E-ntimacy that better suits internet bonding. He also examines the multicultural issues found in internet forums, and the leadership qualities needed to manage these issues. Finally, he claims that there is a link which connects us through the world wide web: the internet unconscious. Table of Contents: Introduction A. The Group Analytic Frame of Reference 1. From the individual in the group to Group Analysis 2. From Group Analysis to the analysis of social processes 3. From the small group to the large group 4. From individual unconscious to the social unconscious 5. From conservative Group Analysis to radical Group Analysis B. The non-body on the Internet: Presence, immediacy, subjects and (group) therapy 1. What is presence? 2. Different aspects of presence 3. Presence in virtual reality 4. Relationships and their future: friendships and social networks 5. Intimacy or E-ntimacy? C. Cultures and Groups 1. What is culture? 2. Psychological aspects of culture 3. Culture and awareness 4. The Internet culture: We-ness, Me-ness, and Inbetweeness D. Implications of group analytic concepts to Cyberspace 1. Boundaries and dynamic administration 2. Mirroring and resonance 3. The conductor’s functions 4. Multicultural and leadership issues E. The Social Unconscious 1. Definitions and misperceptions 2. Large groups, chosen trauma, and the fourth basic assumption 3. Neuropsychology: Mirror neurons or virtual neurons - mental representation in Cyberspace 4. Inter-subjective perspectives of Cyberspace 5. The Internet Unconscious About the Author: Haim Weinberg is a psychologist, group analyst and certified group therapist in private practice. Teaching at the Wright Institute, Berkeley, and the Alliant International University, Sacramento. He leads a group psychotherapy Doctoral Program at the professional School of psychology, Sacramento. He is a past President of the Israeli Group Psychotherapy Association, and the president-elect of the Northern Group Psychotherapy Society. |