Showing papers in "Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking in 2000"
TL;DR: It is argued that of the five cases, only two of them describe "addicted" subjects, and the excessive usage in the majority of cases was purely symptomatic and was highlighted how the subjects used the Internet/computer to counteract other deficiencies.
Abstract: It has been alleged that social pathologies are beginning to surface in cyberspace (i.e., technological addictions). To date, there is very little empirical evidence that computing activities (i.e., internet use, hacking, programming) are addictive. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the typical "addict" is a teenager, usually male, with little or no social life, and little or no self-confidence. This article concentrates on five case studies of excessive computer usage. It is argued that of the five cases, only two of them describe "addicted" subjects. Addiction components criteria were used in the assessment. The excessive usage in the majority of cases was purely symptomatic and was highlighted how the subjects used the Internet/computer to counteract other deficiencies.
878 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that males use the Internet mainly for purposes related to entertainment and leisure, whereas women use it primarily for interpersonal communication and educational assistance.
Abstract: Although the Internet frequently has been characterized as male-dominated, recent evidence indicates that the gender gap in Internet use is rapidly diminishing. If more females are using the Internet, then what specific applications do they prefer and do they differ from those of males? This article presents results from a survey assessing gender differences in specific uses of the Internet. The survey included 19 items and was made available to Internet users. For comparison, a paper-and-pencil version was administered to several hundred introductory psychology students. Numerous gender differences in preferences for specific Internet applications emerged. Results showed that males use the Internet mainly for purposes related to entertainment and leisure, whereas women use it primarily for interpersonal communication and educational assistance. However, additional analyses showed that several gender differences were mediated by differences in age and Internet experience. Potential implications of these r...
644 citations
TL;DR: The specific rationale for VR applications in the area of clinical neuropsychology is discussed and issues for the development of a head-mounted display (HMD) VR system for the study, assessment, and possible rehabilitation of attention disorders are presented.
Abstract: The Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Southern California (USC) has initiated a research program aimed at developing virtual reality (VR) technology applications for the study, assessment, and rehabilitation of cognitive/functional processes. This technology is seen to offer many advantages for these aims and an introductory section of this article will discuss the specific rationale for VR applications in the area of clinical neuropsychology. A discussion of attention processes will follow and issues for the development of a head-mounted display (HMD) VR system for the study, assessment, and possible rehabilitation of attention disorders will then be presented. Our efforts to target this cognitive process are supported by the widespread occurrence and relative significance of attention impairments seen in a variety of clinical conditions across the human lifespan. Most notably, attention difficulties are seen in persons with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Traumatic B...
308 citations
TL;DR: The changes that take place in emoticon use when moving from same-gender to mixed-gender newsgroups indicate that rather than the emotional expression of females being silenced or muted by male encoding of emoticons, males adopt the female standard of expressing more emotion.
Abstract: The analysis of emoticon (emotional icon) use in online newsgroups appears to reinforce the stereotype of the emotional female and the inexpressive male until further examination suggests otherwise. The most interesting finding of this study is illustrated by the pattern of change that develops for both genders when they move from a predominantly same gender newsgroup to a mixed-gender newsgroup. The changes that take place in emoticon use when moving from same-gender to mixed-gender newsgroups indicate that rather than the emotional expression of females being silenced or muted by male encoding of emoticons, males adopt the female standard of expressing more emotion. Furthermore, women have added dimensions including solidarity, support, assertion of positive feelings, and thanks, which were absent from the male-created definition of emoticons and their use.
298 citations
TL;DR: This study considers the gender gap in Internet use among college students to the same extent as it has in the general adult population and investigates how female students differ from males in how they spend their time on the Internet.
Abstract: A review of the recent literature concerning Internet usage among Americans reveals that the once stark gender gap is closing rapidly, but disparities remain in the purposes for which males and females use the Internet. Almost all of this research, however, is based on cross sections of American adults. Much less Internet research has focused on the college student population and, in particular, on female students; the few published studies show that female college students use the Internet less than males. However, even these recent studies may already be dated. This study, based on a large survey of college students from institutions of higher learning in Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, considers these questions: (1) Has the gender gap in Internet use narrowed among college students to the same extent as it has in the general adult population? (2) Do female students differ from males in how they spend their time on the Internet? (3) Does family income, parental education or...
236 citations
TL;DR: The aim of the present work is to design a self-report measure that assesses both constructs, and to carry out the validation process with Spanish and North American samples.
Abstract: Presence and reality judgment are two important variables to take into account in the virtual reality field. So far, scientific literature has paid (and pays) attention to the construct of presence, trying to offer assessment measures that could seize such an elusive concept. However, the concept of reality judgment has received less attention, and, frequently, it has been subsumed into the concept of presence. Not much effort has been dedicated to test whether or not both constructs refer to the same domain. Most likely there are relationships between both variables, but it is also possible that they have differentiated domains. The aim of the present work is to design a self-report measure that assesses both constructs, and to carry out the validation process with Spanish and North American samples.
211 citations
TL;DR: The concept of "Internet addiction" in relation to excessive sexual behavior and Internet pornography is examined, as well as examining newer areas of Internet sexuality such as "online relationships" and sexually-related Internet crime (e.g., "cyberstalking").
Abstract: The Internet appears to have become an ever-increasing part in many areas of people's day-to-day lives. One area that deserves further examination surrounds sexual behavior and excessive Internet usage. It has been alleged by some academics that social pathologies are beginning to surface in cyberspace and have been referred to as "technological addictions." Such research may have implications and insights into sexuality and sexual behavior. Therefore, this article examines the concept of "Internet addiction" in relation to excessive sexual behavior and Internet pornography, as well as examining newer areas of Internet sexuality such as "online relationships" and sexually-related Internet crime (e.g., "cyberstalking").
179 citations
TL;DR: An overview of the ubiquitous and explosive effect of the Internet on sexuality is provided and summarizes the following key dimensions including: internet relationships and how they influence face to face relationships, alternative communities and sexually disenfranchised people, commercial aspects of internet sexuality, concerns about employee morality and productivity, and, sexual information and education in the 21st century.
Abstract: Online sexuality has become a much discussed topic in the 90's however most people continue to have a narrow and uninformed view of what this area truly consists of. This paper provides an overview of the ubiquitous and explosive effect of the Internet on sexuality and summarizes the following key dimensions including: internet relationships and how they influence face to face relationships, alternative communities and sexually disenfranchised people, commercial aspects of internet sexuality, concerns about employee morality and productivity, and, sexual information and education in the 21st century. The internet and associated technological advances will have a tremendous influence on every aspect of sexuality in this new ''information age'' and thus we encourage professionals involved in this area to get informed and thereby have a say in shaping the future. In addition, those keeping current with these rapid developments will be in a position to both warn people as to the pathological aspects of cybers...
172 citations
TL;DR: The concept of the 'virtual university' for surgeons in the field of laparoscopy and minimally invasive surgery is developed, which permits surgeons to update their education at their own pace, from a remote location.
Abstract: Currently universities are scrambling to get into Web-based distance education, primarily driven by the fear that they will be left out while others are doing it. Unfortunately, most existing virtual courses are basically parodies of existing courses. In fact, the emergence of the virtual university offers the unique opportunity to redesign and rethink the concept of what a university can and should be. This article discusses fundamental problems in traditional education courses and curricula, and ways in which a virtual university can address these.
171 citations
TL;DR: A dimensional model for conceptualizing the various approaches to conducting psychotherapy in cyberspace, including "cybertherapy" involving the internet, local networks, and stand-alone computers is proposed.
Abstract: This article proposes a dimensional model for conceptualizing the various approaches to conducting psychotherapy in cyberspace, including "cybertherapy" involving the internet, local networks, and stand-alone computers. As compared to in-person therapy, computer-mediated therapy is unique in how it offers the opportunity to interact with clients via different pathways, each one having its unique pros and cons, each one involving a different type of relationship between client and therapist. The model explores the communication features of five dimensions: synchronous/asynchronous, text/sensory, actual/imaginary, automated/interpersonal, invisible/present. The various dimensional elements can be combined and sequenced in a variety of ways in order to design a therapeutic encounter that addresses the specific needs of individual clients.
159 citations
TL;DR: There is some evidence that gender norms were developed and "gendered" patterns of communication predominated in CMC, and women in female-only (FO) groups were able to overcome the limitations of the text-only format of CMC.
Abstract: The question of whether men and women communicate differently using computer mediated communication (CMC) was examined in a series of four studies. Although there were some overall differences between men and women, the variable with the strongest relationship to communication style was the gender composition of the groups within which the communication took place. Women using CMC with other women in small task groups developed a significantly different style of communication than did men using CMC with other men. Mixed gender groups fell between the single gender groups and had their own special features. There is some evidence that gender norms were developed and "gendered" patterns of communication predominated. These findings are explained from the point of view of social presence; that is, the ability to make one's self known under conditions of low media richness. Women in female-only (FO) groups were able to overcome the limitations of the text-only format of CMC; they established an online presenc...
TL;DR: This issue highlights that the Internet has been a " Promise and peril": the promise of the Internet to enrich women’s lives is being fulfilled, but perils exist as well.
Abstract: 683 THE INTERNET is empowering women in ways that would not have been imagined a decade ago. Online activism has generated worldwide support for women’s issues such as violence against women, political oppression, and economic inequities. The ability to broadcast information online has allowed the dissemination of information without censorship, while the ability to find information online has enlightened and empowered women, sometimes in life-enhancing ways, such as when they find critical health information online. Online, women have created community and social support. Communication patterns also are being altered online, allowing freer expression. Online anonymity and lack of face to face (ftf) interactions frees individuals of social and physical restraints, and has allowed women to express parts of themselves that they might not otherwise in a safe environment, enabling them to explore new identities, heal inner wounds, and express sexuality. The Internet opens up new possibilities for women of social, political, and economic power. However, the impact of the Internet for women is not all positive. The Internet also has created and amplified problems for women. Women have been targets of online oppression, harassment, and some have become real-life victims because of their online participation and/or activism. There is a wealth of misinformation as well as information online, and it can be difficult to distinguish the validity of that information. Regardless of gender, users need tools to evaluate that information. Online groups can create support for deviant and undesirable behavior, and can legitimatize hostile, inappropriate, or dangerous behavior, some directed explicitly at women. Online sexuality may be liberating for many women, but there is much sexual harassment online. Pornography has proliferated online, much objectifying and victimizing women and girls. The same conditions that create healthy free expression and exploration of self online (anonymity, lack of ftf contact, lack of physical and social restraints) also can foster uncensored hostility such as flaming and harassment, creating an uncomfortable or hostile environment for both men and women. Females may be particularly affected by hostile climates because of gendered communication styles and expectations. Online communication patterns may amplify gender differences and miscommunication. Power is not distributed equally online, and women worldwide have been last to come online; these may amplify rather than diminish existing gender social, political and economic inequities in the Digital Age. Promise and peril: the Internet has brought both to women. The promise of the Internet to enrich women’s lives is being fulfilled, but perils exist as well. These two themes resonate throughout this issue. As special editor of this issue, I was struck by the consistency of these themes in the articles, which otherwise were unified only by their focus on women. The Internet is not inherently good or bad although sometimes people have characterized it as one or the other. Dichotomous, either/or arguments do not do justice to our understanding of how the Internet is impacting our lives. This issue highlights that the Internet has been a
TL;DR: The Internet gender gap among college students is investigated by comparing the usage patterns and attitudes of three cohorts of students in 1997, 1998, and 1999, and longitudinal changes from 1997 to 1998 are examined in a subsample of participants.
Abstract: The Internet has been a male-dominated technology since its beginnings in the late 1960s. A number of studies have reported that the gap between the numbers of men and women online has narrowed in recent years. However, broad definitions of usage have often masked important differences in how much the technology is used in specific ways, as well as qualitative differences in men's and women's experiences in using the Internet. One area in which such differences might be particularly important is in higher education, where Internet activities are increasingly a central feature of the curriculum in a variety of departments. We investigated the Internet gender gap among college students by comparing the usage patterns and attitudes of three cohorts of students in 1997, 1998, and 1999. In addition, we examined longitudinal changes from 1997 to 1998 in a subsample of our participants. The cohort comparisons revealed gender differences in five Internet activities (E-mail, World Wide Web [WWW], Usenet, Multiuser...
TL;DR: An online self-help group hosted by amental health professional, in which the mental health professional focuses on maintaining the supportive milieu and the members of the group focus on providing the support for each other, is hypothesized to combine the best of both worlds.
Abstract: Online mental health groups can be classified as autonomous self-help groups or support groups led by mental health professionals. An online self-help group hosted by a mental health professional, in which the mental health professional focuses on maintaining the supportive milieu and the members of the group focus on providing the support for each other, is hypothesized to combine the best of both worlds. Psycho-Babble, a group of this type hosted by the author (http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/) serves as an example. Between January and August 2000, 1,516 members posted 21,230 messages in 3,028 discussion threads. Forty-eight percent of posters posted just once. Thirteen percent of threads consisted of only the initial post. In July 2000, 534,219 Psycho-Babble pages were served. Samples of educational and supportive posts, misinformation, "Internet addiction", help-rejecting, limit-setting, and member feedback are given. The usage statistics and the anecdotal evidence of the posts themselves support the eff...
TL;DR: This article first describes video- and text-based cybersex as a new kind of sexual encounter with its own particularities, and the feminist literature on cybersex is reviewed revealing two basic perspectives.
Abstract: Cybersex can be defined as a social interaction between at least two persons who are exchanging real-time digital messages in order to become sexually aroused and satisfied. This article first describes video- and text-based cybersex as a new kind of sexual encounter with its own particularities. Then the feminist literature on cybersex is reviewed revealing two basic perspectives: The victimization perspective interprets cybersex as a heterosexist practice, and focuses on how women and girls as individuals and as a group are harmed by online harassment, virtual rape, and cyberprostitution. From this viewpoint it is the (heterosexual) male who seeks cybersex and forces it on the female, who is supposed to be online for all kinds of reasons but surely not for sexual ones. The liberation perspective, in contrast, focuses on the options computer-mediated communication offers women and girls who actively seek sexual pleasure online: Looks don't matter, it's easy to find mates, anonymity minimizes social contr...
TL;DR: Physiological and self-report data collected during treatment support the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure as a useful adjunct in the treatment of phobias.
Abstract: The Center for Advanced Multimedia Psychotherapy at the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego was established to conduct research and provide clinical treatment to persons with phobias and other mental health disorders by using virtual environments as an adjunct to traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. Observations made over the course of 600 virtual reality sessions are discussed in this article. Physiological and self-report data collected during treatment support the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure as a useful adjunct in the treatment of phobias. The use of immersive virtual environments appears to augment treatment success through the construct of "presence."
TL;DR: Issues related to online counseling and online self-help groups include: difficulties in ascertaining the credentials and identity of service providers, accessing inaccurate information, reliance on untested methods, difficulties in online assessment, exposure to disinhibited communication, development of inappropriate online relationships, and lack of standards and regulation regarding online human service practice.
Abstract: This article describes the problems and dangers that may be encountered when women seek health and human services on the Internet. Issues related to online counseling and online self-help groups include: difficulties in ascertaining the credentials and identity of service providers, accessing inaccurate information, reliance on untested methods, difficulties in online assessment, exposure to disinhibited communication, development of inappropriate online relationships, and lack of standards and regulation regarding online human service practice. In addition, the article describes potential victimization of women users of the Internet through loss of privacy, cyberstalking, and identity theft. Guideliness and resources for prevention of online victimization are presented.
TL;DR: Factors unique to the Internet environment that initiate online compulsive sexual behavior include accessibility, affordability, and anonymity and how they can be countered and harnessed in treatment are elucidated.
Abstract: Sexually compulsive behavior on the Internet is now a widely recognized problem. Factors unique to the Internet environment that initiate online compulsive sexual behavior include accessibility, affordability, and anonymity, also known as the Triple A Engine. Factors that serve to maintain compulsive online sexual behavior include classical conditioning and operant conditioning. This article elucidates these factors and explores how they can be countered and harnessed in treatment. Future directions for research are suggested.
TL;DR: Components of attraction as based on the theory of the development of face-to-face relationships are explored, and then considered in terms of how these theories hold up under a new applicatio...
Abstract: Flirting online is not the same as flirting face-to-face. The beauty of the virtual medium is that flirting is based on words, charm, and seduction, not physical attraction and cues. The online world gives those people who do not fit a stereotypical model of human beauty a chance to be Don Juans and Carmen Mirandas and have an equal opportunity to be found desirable. For those considered beautiful by societal standards, it gives them a chance to be attractive to others for reasons other than their physical qualities (i.e., intellect, charm, interests, etc.). It is possible to account for the richness and depth relationships can take on via this seemingly impersonal medium by applying psychosocial theories of intimate attraction as well as describing the qualities of interpersonal interactions that take place online. Components of attraction as based on the theory of the development of face-to-face relationships are explored, and then considered in terms of how these theories hold up under a new applicatio...
TL;DR: Interaction in an online eating disorder support group where safety cannot be assumed is examined, to illuminate the therapeutic potential of online forums for women with eating disorders.
Abstract: Online support groups have become highly attractive to seekers of health advice. These sites offer rich online support and information, which may be enjoyed in a nonthreatening environment. The "bodiless" nature of online support groups helps ensure participants' sense of safety, because judgments relating to physical appearances are largely decreased. This article examines interaction in an online eating disorder support group, where such safety cannot be assumed. Because women with anorexia and bulimia routinely discuss problems relating to appearances (size and weight), the risk of monitoring and negatively evaluating oneself and others jeopardizes the safety of interaction in this online context. In a microlevel discourse analysis of three exchanges, the linguistic structure and joint nature of creating a safe communicative context is traced, as it unfolds amid solving a problem concerning physical appearances. The aim is to illuminate the therapeutic potential of online forums for women with eating d...
TL;DR: The preliminary results of an outcome study on the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements on measures of target symptoms.
Abstract: Many studies have shown the feasibility of psychiatric consultation in telehealth, and some have addressed the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy. However, outcome studies on telepsychiatry essentially amount to a few case studies, none of which have used an empirically validated psychosocial treatment to treat a specific mental disorder. This article presents the preliminary results of an outcome study on the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Participants received 12 sessions of cognitive-behavior therapy, which is an empirically validated treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia. The treatment was delivered via videoconference by trained therapists according to a standardized treatment manual. The remote site was located at 130 km north of the local site and both were linked by six ISDN lines. Telepsychotherapy demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements on measures of target symptoms (frequency, of panic attacks, panic apprehension, seve...
TL;DR: The findings suggest that Internet gay chat rooms may attract younger men, men who identify themselves as bisexual, and men who live outside the major cities.
Abstract: Internet chat rooms have become an important new channel for men who have sex with men. Through chat rooms, sexual partners can be met in virtual and in real life. The aim of this article is to explore the questions: Who are the men that visit the Internet gay chat rooms, and what are the experiences in meeting sex partners in real life through these channels? The findings are derived from a large Swedish socio-sexual study of men who have sex with men. The Internet is used along with traditional sampling methods in the study. A total of 716 written questionnaires and 678 Internet questionnaires were obtained. Additional qualitative data from interviews with men who have experience with meeting male sex partners through Internet chat rooms is presented for illustrative purposes. The findings suggest that Internet gay chat rooms may attract younger men, men who identify themselves as bisexual, and men who live outside the major cities. The findings also suggest that it is common to have the experience of m...
TL;DR: The use of information and communication technologies for the exchange of health-related information and the development of methods of electronic communication have changed dramatically in the past 25 years.
Abstract: Since the development of methods of electronic communication, clinicians have been using information and communication technologies for the exchange of health-related information. However, the emer...
TL;DR: Women's positive and negative experiences are addressed, including flaming, spamming, harassing posts, and sexual harassment are some negative reactions to women who include feminist thought on their websites.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the kinds of experiences women Webdesigners have on the Internet. Specifically, the research examines the impact these experiences have in terms of women's Internet website activities, Internet personal activities (such as E-mail) and non-Internet personal and/or social activities. The study is based on 17 in-depth, semistructured online interviews with self-identified feminists who are Web designers of feminist sites. Interviews were conducted through E-mail and explored various online experiences. Previous research suggests a contradictory and often conflictual relationship between women and technology. However, the specific relationship between women and the Internet has received relatively little attention. This article addresses women's positive and negative experiences. For example, flaming, spamming, harassing posts (in different contexts), and sexual harassment are some negative reactions to women who include feminist thought on their websites. Positive re...
TL;DR: In all samples, the subjects improved their overall body satisfaction after the treatment, and the improvement was always associated to a reduction in problematic eating and social behaviors.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to investigate the possibility of inducing a significant modification on body image attitudes and behavior in obesity and related pathologies using a psychological approach based on virtual reality (VR). The design used is a clinical intervention study using five bi-weekly, VR-based therapeutical sessions. The sample was composed by 57 female obese, BED, and EDNOS patients who were seeking treatment at the Weight Reduction Unit of the Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy. Various body-image related psychometric tests (Body Satisfaction Scale, Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, Figure Rating Scale, Contour Drawing Rating Scale) were submitted to the sample at baseline and after therapy. In all samples, the subjects improved their overall body satisfaction after the treatment. The improvement was always associated to a reduction in problematic eating and social behaviors. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a ...
TL;DR: The Internet is quickly becoming a preferred place to find information, once people learn the basics of search engines, they can locate information on highly esoteric topics from millions of pages on the web.
Abstract: The Internet is quickly becoming a preferred place to find information. Once people learn the basics of search engines, they can locate information on highly esoteric topics from millions of pages on the web. Retrieving information online is convenient, fast, and can allow access to information that otherwise might not be available because of geographic or other limitations. Finding information is one of the most frequent reasons individuals use the Internet and one of the most highly valued aspects of the Internet among users. Information found online both supplements and replaces traditional sources of information. Every day, 6 million people in the United States go online in search of health and medical information, with an estimated 50 million people in the United States ever having gone online for medical information. However, the quality of available online information varies considerably. The Internet is unregulated, and although there are excellent sites online, there are many sites with misinform...
TL;DR: Patients had a fear of crash, over half suffered with claustrophobia, fear of heights, or panic disorder with agoraphobia, and flew following treatment.
Abstract: Fear of flying is a common condition. Virtual reality exposure has recently been shown to be an effective treatment, but fear of flying is heterogeneous, affecting people with distinctly different diagnoses. Thirty-one patients were treated. Over half had a fear of crash, the rest suffered with claustrophobia, fear of heights, or panic disorder with agoraphobia. Twentyone patients flew following treatment. There were no differences between diagnostic groups. Follow-up showed that patients continued to fly, but with anxiety. Research and treatment implications are discussed.
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to present the development, psychometric properties, and initial validation results of an instrument designed to measure these factors of college students' perceptions and behavior when searching the Internet for sexuality-related information.
Abstract: Due to the paucity of empirical data on college students' perceptions and behavior when searching the Internet for sexuality-related information, the purpose of this article is to present the development, psychometric properties, and initial validation results of an instrument designed to measure these factors. The questionnaire, based on Social Cognitive Theory, contained three scales to measure attitudes of students toward use of the Internet for (a) obtaining sexuality-related information, (b) establishing personal connections, and (c) for sexual entertainment/arousal. Each of these three scales consisted of two subscales, measuring expectancies and expectations for the above functions. The subscales demonstrated a high degree of internal consistency (alphas ranging from .76 to .95) and appropriate temporal stability (rs = .69 to .78). A Principal Components analysis of the subscales yielded a factor structure of six factors, accounting for 68.8% of the total variance. Importance of the instrument for ...
TL;DR: It is argued that the benefits of using an AHS are a result of careful authoring, more than of the adaptive techniques themselves.
Abstract: Hypertext and hypermedia applications allow users to navigate through large sets of information in many different ways. It is impossible for an author to foresee all possible paths a user may follow. Adaptive hypermedia is a fairly new research field on the crossroad of hypertext (or hypermedia) and user modeling. Its goal is to improve usability of hypermedia through the automatic adaptation of hypermedia applications to individual users. Adaptive hypermedia systems (AHS) offer methods and techniques for adapting the content of information pages and the links between pages. A number of experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the benefits of adaptive hypermedia, mostly of adaptation of link structures. In this article we argue that the benefits of using an AHS are a result of careful authoring, more than of the adaptive techniques themselves.
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