The Impact of Cyber-Activity on Human Development

Abstract

The following article focuses on the impact of cyber-activity on individual as a risk’ factor in development. The first part describes cyberspace users according to developmental theories. In the second part, some psychological changes in human mind caused by cyber-activity are presented (socio-psychological and cognitive-emotional consequences). Next, an analysis is carried out taking into consideration certain psychological conditions (attachment, temper, own experience) and motives for undertaking cyber-violence and cyber-bullying by young people. In the conclusion, programmes for mental health protection are presented. This study contributes to the existing literature concerning developmental psychology. This study, originating in a new formula, is a proposal of an analysis of risk among adolescents and as such, it may prove a useful tool in describing young people' cyber- and other - activity profiles. In the paper, criteria for systemic analysis of the functioning of Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives were presented. Also, a description of individual strategies and their changes in time, space, activity, energy and information were proposed. This paper presents some psychological changes in human mind caused by cyber-activity, together with their socio-psychological and cognitive-emotional consequences. Aditionally, some psychological conditions, such as attachment, temper, own experience, and the motives for undertaking cyber-violence and cyber-bullying by young people were taken into consideration. The Programme Keep It Tame was presented as a way of protection of adolescents' mental health.