Elena Tsankova
Papers of BAS. Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol. 12, 2025, No. 2
Key topics and their interconnections in Bulgarian cyberpsychology research
Elena Tsankova
Abstract. Given the increasing importance of cyberpsychology, the present work extracts key topics in Bulgarian cyberpsychology research, analyses their distribution over time, and studies the number and strength of their interconnections. Three saturation peaks are identified, corresponding to significant technology-related societal events: a boom of online social networks (2011), increased interest in public mental health (2017), and a major COVID-19-induced offline-to-online transition in all areas of life (2021). Two major topical networks emerge: one links cyber-bullying-and-victimization to young people and mental health, while the other connects personality, self-presentation, social networks, and virtual identity. The findings facilitate the identification of future development directions for Bulgarian cyberpsychology research.
Keywords: cyberpsychology, Bulgaria, topics, connections, bottom-up approach
Papers of BAS. Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol. 11, 2024, No. 2
Cyberpsychology research in Bulgaria: Overview and perspectives
Elena Tsankova
Abstract. The article provides an overview of Bulgarian cyberpsychology research and outlines perspectives for its future development. The findings from a review of Bulgarian cyberpsychology articles indicate that: 1) all major international research themes are present to varying degrees in the Bulgarian literature, with some current topics missing; 2) research methodology is biased towards qualitative and mixed; 3) the use of mostly Bulgarian samples reflects national reality but disallows cross-cultural comparisons; 4) the cited literature is largely international, with an emerging Bulgarian tradition. These observations are discussed in the light of international cyberpsychology research and two suggestions for further development of Bulgarian cyberpsychology research are put forward - leveraging unique strengths and directed effort.
Keywords: cyberpsychology, research, Bulgaria, overview, perspectives
Papers of BAS. Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol. 10, 2023, No. 1
First impressions in Internet and face-to-face communication:
A conceptual comparative analysis
Elena Tsankova
Abstract. Efficient Internet communication requires solid understanding of why and how social processes differ between Internet and face-to-face environments. This paper adds to the understanding of these differences in relation to first impressions. Drawing upon previous research, theory, and intuition, the text compares three central components of first impressions (input, process, and output) in Internet and in face-to-face communication. It is shown through real-life examples how certain features of each communication environment are likely to affect the formation of first impressions. The conclusion is drawn that all three components of first impressions can be influenced by the unique characteristics of the communication setting, and a recommendation is made towards mindful self-presentation and impression formation in both settings.
Keywords: social cognition, first impressions, Internet, face-to-face, comparative analysis