ABSTRACT
In order to discuss in more detail the potential psychological impact of engaging in or simply witnessing STAs, we need to consider further the nature of the space in which they occur. In this chapter we argue that many virtual spaces are playful spaces. Given this, we believe it instructive to introduce some general theories on the psychology of play, including factors that will assist us in determining whether play (including STAs) is likely to have a healthy or detrimental effect on the individual. In addition, we will consider those theorists who have applied theories of play to the Internet, and claimed that cyberspace constitutes, for many at least, a virtual playground. Then, as part of our discussion on the potential detrimental effects of play, we will briefly turn our attention to a relatively new phenomenon found on the Internet – Chatroulette (mentioned briefly in Chapter 2) – and consider the extent to which such a ‘playful’ space can be psychologically healthy.
