Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2004. Graduate Programme in Sociology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-120). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss&rft%5Fval%5Ffmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss:MR11792

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Texas at Arlington, 2007.

This thesis investigates if it is possible to speak about a virtual culture. If so, it seeks to answers to the following questions: Is it possible to mention a culture peculiar to cyberspace or virtual culture is just a mirror of real life culture? Where does the body position? How have been identities experienced? What does fluid and fragmented identity mean? Does it offer a space of opportunities? How has been gender formed on cyberspace? Is removal of gender barriers possible? Answers to all these questions have been explored through text-based virtual reality environments on the Internet called MUDs in which creating alternative identities is possible. A survey and interviews as well as direct and participant observations for the exploration of MUD environments have been conducted. Mostly, MUDs called, LambdaMOO and Aardwolf, and then Cab&uuml / lka Cab&uuml / lsa have become central sites of observations and interviews. The findings show that cyberspace has its rules and limitations which are not independent from the real world. Since gender is a key component indicating the society interacts, culture of cyberspace cannot stay aside. Despite possibility of gender switching, stereotypical gender performances continue to exist. However cyberspace is a new and rich communication environment in respect of facilities it offers and its future structure and form largely depend on the users.

(in English): The virtual world is becoming more a part of our reality nowadays. Even children are coming into it and they are losing the ability to distinguish between the real and the virtual world. The virtual world is then an absolutely natural thing for them, including the advantages and risks that it brings. The aim of this master thesis was to collect present opinions and views on the conception of specific primary prevention in the area of cyberspace, and to analyze the currently offered programs from certified organizations for schools in Prague. The basic question of research is: What kind of topics do these preventive programs deal with? The method of this research was based on data collection through document analysis, semi- structured interviews and observation. The results show, that the most developed and complex topics in current practice are cyberbullying and netolism, leading to prevention of potential risky use of social networks and safer use of internet. When the goals of preventive programs are expressed enough specifically and sufficiently and with respect to the child, then it mostly focuses on cognitive aspects of the personality. Based on the research at the end of the thesis, there are formulated recommendations for the implementation of other primary prevention topics in...

Final thesis titled Collective Intelligence and the Functions of Individual: Using an Example of Social Activism Online uses definition of collective intelligence by Pierre Lévy, and tries to verify it throught practice of social activism on the internet using a smartphone as a tool for accessing cyberspace. The theses is based on media theory works focusing in particular on a new kind of intelligence of community and the impact of new communication technologies on humans. Next part is about the topics of social activism, when considering together or independently with collective intelligence, provides the potential for direct democracy. Lastly there are few examples of social activism online or forerunners of direct democracy. As an important issue of collective intelligence in practice emerge the rules of behavior of individuals and Lévy's vision of collective intelligence as a peak of humanity.