Whitty, Monica T. and Carr, Adrian N. (2003) Cyberspace as potential space : considering the web as a playground to cyber-flirt. Human Relations, 56 (7). pp. 869-891. doi:10.1177/00187267030567005 ISSN 0018-7267.

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Abstract

This article compares traditional offline flirting with cyber-flirting. We begin by providing a definition of offline flirting, which we follow up with our own elaboration of cyber-flirting. The article then draws from psychoanalytic theory, in particular Winnicott’s object-relations theory, to propose that cyber-flirting can be a form of play. While this is not an empirical study, we do attempt to present a theoretical framework for the conception of cyberspace. In presenting this framework, we draw
from past qualitative and quantitative studies on Internet relationships. We emphasise the problems with past researchers’ obsessive attention to the absence of the body online, and suggest that new theorising on Internet relationships needs to consider how the body is re-constructed. We propose that cyberspace can be what Winnicott
would describe as a "potential space" for play, and this particularly applies to online spaces, such as MUDs, MOOs and Chat Rooms. In addition, we suggest that cyberflirting may promote psychological growth, but it may also become a destructive and exploitative behaviour directed towards 'others'. We conclude this paper by pointing
out the therapeutic implications of considering cyber-flirting as a form of play. It is intended that this paper may assist our conceptualisation of this under researched area of cyber-interactions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Engineering > WMG (Formerly the Warwick Manufacturing Group)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Internet -- Psychological aspects, Online dating, Dating (Social customs) -- Computer network resources, Interpersonal relations -- Computer network resources., Play
Journal or Publication Title:	Human Relations
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	0018-7267
Official Date:	2003
Dates:	Date Event 2003 Published 1 January 2003 Accepted
Volume:	56
Number:	7
Page Range:	pp. 869-891
DOI:	10.1177/00187267030567005
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit:	3 January 2017
Date of first compliant Open Access:	5 January 2017

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