Review Essay: Nicole Döring (2003): Sozialpsychologie des Internet

Abstract

This book is the second, completely revised and extended edition of the first publication from 1999 that soon became one of the most important publications about Internet research in the German-speaking world. The new edition takes into account new research findings and updates the book to the present state of research. It begins with the history and the development of the Internet, describes the various applications and services available over the Internet, presents theories of computer-mediated communication, and outlines methods and results of online-research into the impact of the Internet on identity and social relationships to individual users and groups of users. All relevant issues of this field of research are presented. The goal of the book is more a broad overview of current research, rather than extensively detailed information. The book represents a notto- be-neglected guide for all scientists dealing with psychological aspects of Internet research.