Content area
Full text
ABSTRACT
This article identifies group processes and group phenomena in discussion lists on the Internet and examines the differences and similarities with the processes in small and large groups. Group dynamics and phenomena, such as boundaries, cohesion, transference, scapegoating and the leader's role are addressed. Large group features, such as alienation, vulnerability, and the vast amount of issues discussed in parallel are described. There are similarities between the discussion list and small groups on issues of cohesion and group norms, and in the psychological mechanisms of transference and scapegoating. There are differences regarding the contract, boundaries, leaving the group, and extra-group socialization. Although many of the phenomena described resemble a large group, a discussion list on the Internet maintains the illusion of being a small group and frequently acts like one. While a virtual therapy group would be somewhat different from a real group, it could nonetheless be useful.
INTRODUCTION
Many group psychotherapists agree that the Internet is one of the major communication and publishing developments of this decade, yet the understanding of group phenomena in the Internet and its implications for group work and group therapy are far from developed. This article identifies group processes in discussion lists on the Internet, examines the differences and similarities among them and the dynamics that can be identified in small and large groups, and suggests implications for group therapy.
The Internet is a network of computers linked together. There are two main ways of using the Internet: retrieving information through the use of websites, and exchanging information by using e-mail (electronic mail). To experts in the mental health field, e-mail can be used for making contact, exchanging ideas, and effectively collaborating among colleagues.
A discussion list is a group of people with a common interest who electronically discuss issues in their field. In discussion lists open to the public, anyone interested in joining the list can send a subscription command to a computer, called the server, and receive all the messages that members of the list send to the server, and every note the subscriber sends is automatically distributed to all the list members. Each discussion list has a leader that facilitates the discussion. In moderated lists, all messages initially are sent to the list...