The prediction, in brief:

In my interviews with people about the possibility of computer psychotherapy, a ventilation model of psychotherapy came up often as a reason why computers could be therapists … MUDs may provide a place for people to talk freely – and with other people rather than with a machine – but they also illustrate that therapy has to be more than a safe place to “ventilate.”

Predictor: Turkle, Sherry

Prediction, in context:

In her 1995 book “Life on the Screen,” Sherry Turkle – an accomplished social psychologist, sociologist and anthropologist from MIT whose studies centered around people and computers for decades – writes:”In my interviews with people about the possibility of computer psychotherapy, a ventilation model of psychotherapy came up often as a reason why computers could be therapists. In the ventilation model, psychotherapy makes people better by being a safe place for airing problems, expressing anger, and admitting to fears. MUDs may provide a place for people to talk freely – and with other people rather than with a machine – but they also illustrate that therapy has to be more than a safe place to ‘ventilate.'”

Biography:

Sherry Turkle was the author of “Life on the Screen: Computers and the Human Spirit.” and a professor of the psychology of science at MIT. (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)

Date of prediction: January 1, 1995

Topic of prediction: Community/Culture

Subtopic: MOOs/MUDs/B-Boards/Newsgroups

Name of publication: Life on the Screen (book)

Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 7: Aspects of the Self

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 199

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney