Puhachov D. Psychological specifics of Self-concept formation by computer-addicted junior teenagers

This Thesis is dedicated to the problem of Self-concept formation by computer-addicted junior teenagers in Internet and multiplayer computer games. Psychological content of Self-Concept notion has been disclosed in this work. There have been found functional specifics of the notion of self-consciousness, which is a determining factor of Self-Concept formation during teen age. Result of the research was a self-interview "Digital Tattoo", based on a row of unique self-presentation characteristics of junior teenagers in real and virtual worlds. Main mechanisms have been found, with which formation of junior teenagers' unique Self-Concept takes place in virtual world, namely their Nickname and Avatar in multiplayer computer games, social networks, messengers, forums and other Internet-communities. It has been proven empirically, that for majority of unique self-presentation characteristics there is a significant and medium dependency between the level of computer addiction, means, used by the teenager for communication in the Internet and formation of unique Self-concept in real and virtual worlds. Complex correctional program has been developed, which is aimed at increase of the level of real communication and virtual space perception as one, providing additional advantages in study, creative growth and other aspects, related to real life. In the course of the repeated experiment the effectiveness of correctional program has been proven empirically: decrease of the general level of computer addiction among junior teenagers and formation of objectives and motives in experimental groups of teenagers in real world have been established.