SCITECH RECENTLY |Converging Two Worlds: Technology and Psychology
By: Aeron Diana and Teo Ferrol
The College of Science Psychology Department held its youth lecture entitled, “Cyberpsychology: Interface of Human Behavior and Technology Progress,” led by Assistant Professor Arvin Boller.
By going through the lens of cyberpsychology, Boller said that psychologists have the opportunity to provide a pattern of framework showcasing the various human behaviors that interact with the broad space of technology. Cyberpsychology refers to the analysis of behavior from the individuals involved with technology, particularly the Internet. It sheds light on the proper usage of technology, promoting its healthy interaction with human behavior.
One of the most common forms of cyberpsychology is online dating. As stated by Asst. Prof. Arvin, online dating refers to the usage of websites and mobile applications to find short or long-term romantic partners. Individuals who engage with this are usually the ones interested in attempting to control their self-image, customizing their profiles, and modifying personal details, to present themselves better to find potential partners. Dating platforms are among the concerns in cyberpsychology as it is rampantly used in today’s modern world.
Gamers are also affected as Boller discussed the negative effects of internet gaming addiction and the negative influences of gacha games. Gacha games, based from gachapon in Japan, heavily incentivize the players to spend money for a chance to get their favorite characters. Unfortunately, these kinds of games are said to be predatory as these target people seeking temporary relief by allowing them to gamble.
On the upside, gaming still has its benefits and should not be discounted entirely. Asst. Prof. Arvin also discussed how gaming can improve coordination. Strategy games, in particular, improve the memory and cognitive reasoning of players.
The growth of cyberpsychology cannot be overlooked. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is evolving at an exponential rate. Eventually, workplaces need to adapt to the newest technologies. Asst. Prof. Arvin, however, also underscored that, “AI is not capable of evolving itself.” Therefore, as the future generation, we need to make sure that AI evolves in a moral and human way, ensuring that everyone benefits from it in the process.
