Preface

Cyberspace is part of our way of life. This in itself is a fact worth meditating on, an amazing fact really. I have seen it do a lot of good, while suspecting it of harm. Phobic people form worldwide help groups, schizoid people find partners. Individuals find work, exchange ideas, inspire political action, discover or create outlets for writing, network to expand horizons, and yes, find analysts and patients. There are downsides to cyber-addiction, to be sure, and there are links to violence. “Flaming”—instantaneous rage outbursts—is well known. Fantasies of annihilation abound, as do psychic cocoons.

This issue explores variations of such themes and more, and challenges us to develop the ability to use a mesmerizing medium that has much to teach us. The term “personal computer” gives the show away. How can a computer be personal? It brings us to the edge of our need to humanize use of machine proxies that often carry our insides with them. My computer and I—we grow together. But as one patient said, “It felt so good to spend the weekend gardening, away from the screen.” Of course, Monday was another story.

Evan Malater co-edited this issue and did the major work. This issue could not have been so rich without him. It is to his introduction we now turn.