What does a cyberpsychologistdo, really?

Dr Jens Binder

Nottingham Trent University

Cyberpsychology – all new and emerging?

Psychology and ICTs – scepticism prevails

But it does have noticeable effects?!

Pew Internet Project, Mobile fact sheet

Why a cyberpsychologist?

• “Online is a special environment”– Ubiquity of technology

– Accessibility of services

– Persistence of content

– Broadcasting of information

• Import/adapt ‘offline’ theories and methods

• Traffic accidents, online dating & socialising, cyberbullying, addictive behaviours etc

User motivation updated

• Beyond uses & gratifications: process!• Successful theories of motivation transferred to gaming:

SDT and AGT

motivational climate+

own competence=

gaming experience

User motivation updated

• Instructional games and education

• Online training and staff development

• Self-presentational web services

• Technology acceptance for everyday activities

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LC NC LC NC

Mastery Performance

Female Male

Rose, Binder, & Bartholomew (under review)

Social media and networkingThe sky is the limit?

Have SNS changed our social lives? Yes and No.

– The social capital debate

– FOMO

– Social spheres

Buglass, Binder, Betts, & Underwood (unpubl. data)

Social media and vulnerabilities

Diversity of social spheres risk of online social tension (Binder,

Howes, & Smart, 2012)

User group Other Self

13 - 15 yrs 18% 24%

16 – 18 yrs 27% 43%

20 – 77 yrs 61% 23%

Buglass, Binder, Betts, & Underwood (unpubl. data)

Reported/Suspected misuse of Facebook information

Thank you!

jens.binder@ntu.ac.uk

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/staff_profiles/staff_directory/125265-0/26/jens_binder.aspx

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jens_Binder