Psihološko-sociološki pristup upotrebi interneta i internet RPG igara
A Psychosocial Approach To The Use Of The Internet And Massive Online Role Playing Games

Summary/Abstract: This paper seeks to provide an interdisciplinary systematic approach to the use of the internet, with special emphasis on the so-called Massive Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). The research effort here focuses on a general framework of studying internet addiction and its relevant psychosocial components and dimensions. This needs a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary notions of virtual communities, cyberspace and cybersociality, as well as to the crucial concepts of addiction and addictive behavior. Such an introduction is offered with the help of specific research data on the use of the internet and online games. The paper also presents and critically discusses recent demographic data on the use of MMORPGs and recent analyses of the personality of the excessive/addictive user, as well as of the various levels of user involvement. It finally concludes that an open-ended, well-rounded and dynamic psychosocial approach to technology, the internet and MMORPGs should necessarily include the "unpredictable" and seriously take into account the complex multiplicity of the relevant dimensions.

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