Chaika G. Psychological features of computer players' self-concept.

The thesis discusses computer players' self-concept. It shows that self-concept is a relatively stable, but dynamic, nonlinear system, a complex and hierarchically built one. Self-concept arises, is developed, changed during human social interactions; it is the result of cultural development in the socio-cultural environment; therefore, such a new cultural factor as computer games plays its role in changes of computer players' self-concept. The thesis reveals characteristics of computer players' self-concept depending on whether they are abusing these games and depending on game genres which are mostly chosen. The theoretical analysis shows that an integrated, systematic analysis of self-concept should be made, from the one hand, using self-attitude as a self-concept holistic characteristic, and, at the other, through a series of self-image as its elements. The thesis determines that computer players' self-concepts vary not depending on time spent playing, but mainly based on favourite genre choosing. The empiric study results show that the world of computer games gives its users a great positive experience. Computer games allow young people to throw out their excessive life energy, preserve and improve self-esteem; such games give a positive momentum for development of their self-concept, as players perceive themselves in these games as active subjects. But students who are too enthusiastic with computer games often pay attention to self-control issues; low self-control is a feature of this group of students. As for their ideas about their future, students abusing the games pay less attention to improvement of their intellectual level, active life and friendly relations.