Social Identity, Compatriotism and Citizenship in Cyberspace: ,. A literature review

Abstract

The fast diffusion of the Internet and the vast world of virtual communities and activities in cyberspace have created a new psychological space which is a fertile ground for social relationships and the emergence of a new sense of self Considering Cyberspace as a complex system -which is the case of real life itself- is a key issue in understanding the interactions happening in the former system.

The literature reviewed revealed the existence of a relationship between online and offline communities. Whether the engagement in cyberspace communities and activities has a positive or negative impact on the inhabitants is polarized between two schools; namely, utopians and dystopians.

Utopians argue that cyberspace enhance the chances of expression of the inner self of the users, reliefs the users of stereotyping pressures and stresses, retains more social support, strengthens the real life social ties and provides new opportunities for those who are isolated and depressed. On the other hand, dystopians found evidence that cyberspace increases the withdrawal from real life relationships with family and friends, increases loneliness, depression and stress, increases the probability of having psychological disorders and above all decreases the diversity of the society. No matter which point of view is adopted, one should comprehend these results in the light of some factors concerning the studies conducted. For example, the type and recency of the study, real life social attitude of Cyberspace inhabitants, their demographic background and the type of online activity they are involved in