Abstract

Behavioral differences in heavy, moderate, and light users of internet or computer-mediated communi­cation (CMC) were examined. Anonymity was felt comfortable, but considered undesirable by both heavy and light users of CMC. Besides, both of them reported little difficulty in communicating emotions and meanings unambiguously. Both groups said they had many friends and were not passive in relationships. The greatest differences were found in the "active participation in extra-curricular activities" factor and in positive beliefs in internet or CMC. The more involved in CMC, the more actively they participated in extra-curricular activities and the more likely they believed that CMC was helpful in expanding their scopes of lives and in knowing others.' opinions widely. Moreover, the more involved had a greater impulsive tendency, more free time, and better equipment for CMC. Inconsistent with some of previous findings, it was not passive people who sticked to CMC, but it was active participants in social activities who were deeply and normally involved in CMC. The latter seemed to use CMC actively for their purposes. It was also suggested that active involvers in CMC should be distinguished from pathological addictors to CMC.