Psych 101: The Temptation to Project in Cyberspace

"Projection is a modern psychological term, used most often by Jungian  analysts, that refers to the way in which we may mistake aspects of our  own inner reality for aspects of the world outside (and particularly  other people). It can explain, for example, how some people can “fall in  love” (i.e., become infatuated) so completely – and quickly – that it’s  bewildering to others. When we project, our perception of the world  always contains come elements of pure fantasy. 

Many relationships fail because the people involved never become  aware of the ways in which they’re projected on each other. We aren’t  seeing other people for who they really are when we’re caught in the  grip of projection. We also run the risk of losing sight of ourselves.  

Although projection always operates in our daily interactions to some  extent, the Internet has greatly expanded the opportunities that we may  find for it. In the world of cyberspace it’s easy to become acquainted  with people who we know very little about. Oftentimes they may not even  be going by their real names. This creates a powerful breeding ground  for projection, which typically serves as the mind’s way of “filling in  the gaps” of our knowledge. We may not even be able to discern how  clearly we’re seeing another person. How much of our perceptions are  merely our own fantasies being superimposed upon reality? 

The Internet – particularly its social media aspects – can entice us  with the notion of instant gratification. We may receive quick responses  to various things that we express online. How much of this is genuine?  When we’re in someone’s physical presence we have many more cues – tone  of voice, body language, eye contact, etc. – to give us some indication  of what he or she is really thinking and feeling. Clear knowledge then  crowds the fantasy out of our minds. But it’s much easier to project  upon words on a computer screen accompanied only by an avatar. 

 Avoiding this trap requires us to be self-aware in the moment. Are we  seeing other people the way that they really are, or are we seeing them  through the veil of our own unfulfilled desires and needs? Being  preoccupied with how our contacts in cyberspace are responding to us can  pull us out of where we are in the moment. We become caught up in the  chase, and oftentimes what we’re chasing is an illusion. 

Many people are attracted to cyberspace because of the opportunities for  projection that it affords them. We can create a persona – including an  invented name and “identity” to go with it – that cultivates an air of  mystery instead of revealing how we really are. This encourages others  to project their fantasies upon us. But in the end, what do we really  gain by drawing people to us through such means? We will have to let  people see us as our ordinary selves sooner or later.  " 

Moving these articles to my main Psych 101: Account for better management. Yes, 

This article is mine.