This monologue describes how groundbreaking online
research techniques were used to examine differences
in Internet use between two groups with differing
levels of social comfort. A sample of participants
was self-selected via links on the websites of two
popular search engines and three university sites
dedicated to Internet research. Each participant was
screened online for symptoms of social
anxiety. Participants also answered a questionnaire
on demographic information, aspects of Internet use,
and aspects of face-to-face interaction. Significant
differences were found in the Internet use patterns
between groups. These patterns are interpreted and
discussed in the context of current research in the
field of psychology and online behavior. This
monologue contributes insight into the emerging
research on social networking, and discusses social
anxiety and online support networking in the context
of the current psychology literature.
research techniques were used to examine differences
in Internet use between two groups with differing
levels of social comfort. A sample of participants
was self-selected via links on the websites of two
popular search engines and three university sites
dedicated to Internet research. Each participant was
screened online for symptoms of social
anxiety. Participants also answered a questionnaire
on demographic information, aspects of Internet use,
and aspects of face-to-face interaction. Significant
differences were found in the Internet use patterns
between groups. These patterns are interpreted and
discussed in the context of current research in the
field of psychology and online behavior. This
monologue contributes insight into the emerging
research on social networking, and discusses social
anxiety and online support networking in the context
of the current psychology literature.