What is Cyberpsychology?

Why have I chosen to describe myself as a cyberpsychologist? What is a psyberpsychologist (sic)? I realize the term is somewhat of a neologism, however many new words and phrased begin as such. Here is the wikipedia definiton of cypberpsychology:

"The developing field of cyberpsychology encompasses all psychological phenomena that are associated with or impacted by emerging technology. Cyber comes from the word cybernetics, the study of the operation of control and communication; psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Cyberpsychology is the study of human mind and behavior in the context of human-technology interaction. However, mainstream research studies seem to focus on the impact of the Internet and cyberspace on the psychology of individuals and groups."

Some of the essential psychological aspects of cyberspace include the following:

• limited sensory experience
• identity flexibility and anonymity
• equalization of status
• stretching of temporal and spatial boundaries
• access to numerous relationships
• permanent records

(From John Suler's Essential Issues in Cyberpsychology: Comprehensive Overview)

I chose the term cyberpsychologist based upon my interest in and knowledge of technology and internet based social interactions as well as my experience as a psychologist. I am interested in how parents, teens, and children interact online. How and why do we act differently online? What factors can lead to problems? Which technologies are changing? Are there generational differences that cause family communication problems? What is the connection between online and real-life selves?

Furthermore, much of my work involves tele-therapy (internet or telephone based therapy) and my area of expertise is in technology, online safety, and parenting. Curious about how many see the internet as an extension of themselves or of there minds, I want to learn more about how we interact in this other virtual "world" that we have created.