Psychological characteristics of virtual group members

The paper deals with the psychological characteristics of the subjects who regularly play computer games together. An empirical study confirms the hypothesis about the differences in the indicators of social and psychological adaptation, exposure to stress and the differences in the types of interpersonal relationships among the members of real and virtual groups. The subjects who regularly play computer games together have less trust in others and are less likely to cooperate and communicate with them and adapt to social conditions. They are more prone to stress development and feel more emotional discomfort compared to the members of real social groups. Based on the research findings, the author concludes that these subjects face psychological problems. These problems are either compensated or replaced by the involvement in a virtual group.