PSYC FPX 4210 assessment 1

Abstract

The paper discusses the effect of technology from a cyberpsychology point of view, presenting a general overview of new inventions and their possible impact on mankind. It talks about different advances in technology and their uses, then delves into theories and models in cyberpsychology, human factors, sociological effects, and usability with respect to new technologies. The paper finishes by presenting special instances of ethical, legal, and individual consequences in the context of cyberpsychology.

The Field of Cyberpsychology

Cyberpsychology, the study of human interaction with digital technologies (Atrill-Smith, 2019), has become more and more relevant since World War II and especially in the past two decades. Some of the most significant technological advancements since 2011 are Google’s driverless car receiving a driver’s license in 2012 and the development of Amazon’s Alexa (Turakhia, 2020). These innovations, in addition to space travel advancements with SpaceX and medical technologies such as the ReWalk Exoskeleton, represent tremendous advances (Turakhia, 2020). Yet, with these advances come concerns about the social effects of technologies like virtual reality, medical augmentation, social media, and artificial intelligence (Norman, 2008; Vogels, 2020).

HCI

Understanding Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) becomes more vital as digital contact replaces face-to-face contact. Studies in this field include online behavior, personality characteristics of social media use, and the cognitive impact of gaming, telepsychology, and virtual reality (Norman, 2008; Whitty, 2017; Cheng, 2015). The studies seek to measure how digital contact affects personality, cognitive growth, and social maturity.

Theories

Cyberpsychology is a crossroads of established theories of human psychological development, impacting attachment, cognitive constructs, and sociocultural norms (McFarland, 2017). The swift integration of digital technology into daily life has drastically transformed human interaction, but the full implications of its impact are as yet unknown (Norman, 2008; Cheng, 2015).

The User

Even with advances in technology, human users are still the ultimate decision-makers in the adoption and utilization of HCI products. Developers need to take into account psychological factors that drive consumer behavior, including the desire for group acceptance or intellectual stimulation (Norman, 2008).

Impacts

The virtual world has revolutionized entertainment, recreation, social engagement, and many industries, such as healthcare and finance (Vogels, 2020). Although technology facilitates greater access to information and services, it also produces threats, e.g., addiction to online games, gambling, or pornography, and the development of cyberbullying (Cherry, 2020; Norman, 2008; Cheng, 2015).

Negative Developments

Abuse of technology in the form of cyberbullying and parental neglect made easy by technology can cause serious developmental problems (Cherry, 2020; Norman, 2008). Cyberbullying, in especially, causes psychological damage and requires policy intervention to combat (Cheng, 2015).

Conclusion

Cyberpsychology crosses over with well-established human cognitive development theories but brings novel challenges to mental health professionals (Norman, 2008). HCI may enable undesirable behavior but also holds the capacity to enhance healthy human behavior and learning (Norman, 2008). Next-generation cyber psychologists will need to develop means of counteracting negative effects while promoting desirable ones.

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 1 The Field of Cyberpsychology 

Turakhia, Bhavin. (2020). “Top 10 Technological Advances of the Past Decade.” Retrieved from https://blog.flock.com/top-technological-advances-of-the-2010s

Vogels, Emily A., Rainie, L., & Anderson, J. (2020). Experts Predict More Digital Innovation by 2030 Aimed at Enhancing Democracy. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/06/30/experts-predict-more-digital-innovation-by-2030-aimed-at-enhancing-democracy/

Whitty, M. T., & Young, G. (2017). Cyberpsychology: The Study of Individuals, Society and Digital Technologies (1st ed.). The British Psychological Society.