ASSIGNMENT ON CYBERPSYCHOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT-4

1. What is cyber psychology and what is its relevance in present day?

Ans:

Cyberpsychology can be defined as the study of the human mind and behaviour in
the context of digital technology, particularly the Internet. It studies the
individuals, societies, digital technologies, and the psychological aspects of their
interactions. It tries to understand how our interactions with technology affect our
thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It is a big umbrella term that encompasses the
sub-topics to study under cyberpsychology.

In today’s world, most of what people do is connected to technology, which has

created a shift in human behaviour. Cyberpsychology has become a crucial
component in studying how humans interact and behave with technology and
devices. Here are some ways in which the study of cyberpsychology can impact
how the public uses technology.

1) Assists in fostering human-technology interaction

Since the advent of cognitive technologies, our society has experienced an era of
rapid technological advancement where we now have self-driving cars, AI
computers, smart devices and virtual assistants. Consequently, technology has
radically changed the way people interact with each other and we have become
increasingly connected to the digital world. Thus, the overuse of technology can
lead to negative psychological issues and a more significant adverse impact in
children.

However, there are some benefits of using technology. For example, people use
social media to conveniently meet friends and family while other technologies like
phones have made complex tasks more efficient. Cyberpsychology helps
researchers develop technologies to enhance human behavior rather than hinder it.
Although technology has ultimately shaped how we interact with each other,
cyberpsychology helps us leverage it to become more valuable in our lives.
2) Raises public awareness about cybersecurity and privacy issues

Before the origin of the Internet, cybersecurity was not a topic that was thoroughly
researched—however, it is increasingly becoming a topic of concern for many
researchers. Cybersecurity is the practice of using processes or technologies to
protect sensitive information from digital attacks. Since most of our daily activities
are done online, cybersecurity is an important issue that individuals, businesses
and governments should be taking seriously.

In fact, the number and cost of cyber-attacks continue to grow as cybercriminals

have led cyber-attacks targeting government facilities, businesses
and infrastructure. Cyberpsychologists are undertaking research and utilizing
what they know about people’s behavior in cyberspace to help inform the public
that’ll help them avoid the dangers of using technology. Thus, researchers can
raise public awareness to encourage people to become more conscious of the
security of their personal information.

3) Provides advanced care for people with various health conditions

While many people may assume that virtual reality (VR) and artificial
intelligence(AI) are only useful for providing a fascinating entertainment
experience, this technology can have a great impact in the healthcare industry. In
fact, VR has already been used in the healthcare industry by professionals
to provide lifelike training to doctors, personalized mental and psychological
therapy and pain management.

AI is also used in the healthcare industry to simplify the tasks that are usually done
by medical professionals. For example, companies have developed machine
learning technology to help pathologists make more accurate health diagnoses so
they can quickly develop better medical treatment. By studying this emerging
technology, cyberpsychologists have made it easier for medical professionals to
treat common health conditions.

4) Makes it more convenient for doctors to provide care to their patients

While technology provides more advanced treatment for patients, it can also make
it convenient for health professionals to provide access to those who need therapy.
One of the most important limitations in healthcare is accessibility and
affordability. Telehealth is an alternative that has emerged from research by
cyberpsychologists and can be used by people who may live in areas where there
aren't as many healthcare professionals nearby or they feel uncomfortable meeting
face-to-face with a doctor.

Online therapy also benefits the therapists themselves as it provides flexibility to

provide specialized care to their patients. Telehealth can reduce costs as patients
and doctors don’t have to commute to an office and patients can easily pick the
therapist they want online.

2. Based on your understanding, describe how technology can impact human

psychology?
Ans:
Presently the world is completely technology driven where various application
and technology are created to make our life better easier and safer than before
and it allow us to share and communicate better, faster and efficiently than
before. Nowadays we can’t have good life without technology because people
are completely dependent on technology. In the last few decades technology has
grown rapidly and contributed into many aspects of human life. Technology
enables us better solutions of many problems and leads us to fully automation
era in the world. Day by day technology changed human behaviors and made
human life easier and Recent and rapid development of technology leads to
modernization of the whole world in many fields like medical, engineering,
industry, healthcare business and service industry. Advancements in technology
allow people to be more connected than ever, but this may come at a price.
Overuse of social media and mobile devices have been linked to eyestrain,
difficulty focusing on other tasks, and depression.

While some forms of technology may have made positive changes in the world,
there is evidence for the negative effects of technology and its overuse, as well.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY

 Improve and Enhance LearningSkill:
Our traditional way of learning takes longer time than modern learning
technologies available. Modern learning enrich the classroom technology like
smart classroom, virtual classroom, Augmented reality(AR), videos etc. provide
better comprehensive learning, sharpening critical thinking mind, better
interactivity and engagement, time saving effective learning technique and
personalized learning opportunity for all human beings. Technology like internet
and web media enables continues access of information and knowledge.
 Foster problem solving skills: -
Technology like artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning are
problem solving technology. It determines the source of problem and finds
effective solutions. Problem solving skill includes research analysis, active
listening, creativity and dependability, decision making and team building.
Problem solving skills are very important at every career at every level so
technology play a vital role in human development and it decides the human
behaviors in our society.
 Leads to innovation in various fields: -
Day by day various researches leads to new technology and a multidisciplinary
innovation. The advance cognitive technology and low cost digital assistance
powered by artificial intelligence help in innovation in many fields. In every field
ICT plays a crucial role in innovation so IT professionals are reinventing
themselves developing their own capabilities and finding a new way how
technology are moving from firefighting to delivering innovations and technology
leads to another new technology this way.
 Ease of mobility:-
Technological innovation brings many benefits to citizens of whole world though
the mobility of technology and also mobility become easier through technology so
an integrated technology integrates every mode of transportation and it offers
every service provider, stockholder and end user with a common operating image
across the entire transit ecosystem. So we get conclusion that mobility improve
technology and technology improve mobility and both play a vital role in human
development and its behaviours.
 Cost efficiency of product and services:-
Due to mobility and technology the whole world is treated as home. Transfer of
technology creates every product available nearby your place. The company like
Alibaba, Amazon Flipkart, India-mart, Swiggy etc are selling services as well as
goods at affordable price and they are very near reachable from buyers. The
distance between buyer and seller is just one click away and payment and banking
system also improved in such a way that people rarely think about the security and
safety of payment process.
 Improve banking skills and facility:-
Digitalization and transformation of the services leads to improve the banking
facility and all customers are skilled in such a simple way that even a literates well
as illiterates can operate the banking services very fluently. Now banking not only
matching up creditors and borrowers but also they provide service of payment of
international and domestic needs and making money. In fast changing market
banking changed the understanding of human being and also predicting the
financial needs and services which changed the human behaviors against the
banking services. Nowadays people usually visits bank and banker visits the
people if they need themselves and created a healthy ecosystem in our society.
Due to technology advancement all banking services in our hand even for small
financial needs people don’t go to bank. They served themselves.
 Save time:-
The modern technology saves the people average time. Technology has given us
various devices like Smartphone, Laptop, and internet which save at least 20 to 40
minutes time in shopping and banking with respect to physical visits of bank and
shop. Not only online banking and shopping save time but also transportation and
various services save too much time of human being.
 Better understanding of human being across the Globe:-
Through internet and social media like Facebook, What’s app etc the world is
interconnected and there is huge communication across the world. People from
one place get interact with other place to understand the various cultural activities
and also try to understand their civilization through internet technology. Due to
globalization people are moving across the globe physically and virtually, it helps
to understand the different culture and people of the world

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY

 Virtual social lives: -

Nowadays people has made a virtual world around themselves which decreased
the level of concentration and prevent us on focusing any task. Our teenagers are
mostly affected by these type of syndromes which negatively teens distracting
them in bullying, rumour spreading, unrealistic views of other people's live and
peer pressure also they are becoming anti-social well beings.
 Health Issues:-
Due to overuse of technology we face various health issues like sleeping disorder,
physical inactivity, obesity, eyestrain and poor posture. The main reason of health
issues are the addiction of use of mobile phone and internet.
 Physical Inactivity:-
Every digital technologies are sedentary and promotes sedentary lifestyle which
result into obesity cardiovascular diseases type 2 diabetes and premature death.

 Social anxiety and Incompatibility: -

Technology affects not only individual behaviors but also social behaviors. We
interact more on phone calls and social media rather than face to face meeting.
Addiction of technology also creates not only aggressive behaviors but also social
anxiety and social incompatibility. It also results into low academic performance,
lack of attention, low creativity, delays in social and emotional development and
language development.
 Environmental disorder: -
Due to technology advancement there is two things which damage our
environment that is pollution and the depletion of natural resources which also
change our habits and behaviours. Global warming and climate change, water
pollution and ocean acidification and loss of biodiversity are the consequences of
technology advancement due to which people are facing various issues like heat
waves and cold wave, floods earthquakes, heavy rainfall and less rainfall etc.

3.What is FOMO? How does it get expressed in human behaviour?

Ans:
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is an emotional response to the belief that
other people are living better, more satisfying lives or that important
opportunities are being missed. FOMO often leads to feelings of jealousy,
dissatisfaction, depression, and unnecessary stress.
The fear of missing out on thrilling experiences or great opportunities FOMO is
brought on by these sentiments of anxiousness. The amygdala, a region of the
brain that determines whether something poses a threat to survival, is what
creates FOMO. This area of the brain interprets feeling excluded as a danger,
which leads to tension and anxiety. If a person is already extremely sensitive to
environmental risks, FOMO will be more likely to strike them.
These persons include those who experience emotional trauma in the past, battle
with social anxiety, or engage in obsessive or compulsive activities, including
those associated with obsessive compulsive disorder that has been medically
diagnosed.
4.How excessive usage of gadgets and media affect eating habits? Are there
any disorders related to this?
Ans:
There are associations between 'problematic internet usage' (PIU) and an
increased risk of developing eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, food
fixation, and loss of control in eating. PIU comprises sedentary behaviour
caused by excessive use of internet technologies, as well as unfavourable social
comparisons that may arise because of exposure and comparison with others on
Instagram and Facebook.
Because of these possible negative elements of technology usage, it is very
important that a good connection with food and technology be formed from
early infancy and adolescence to avoid these behaviours later in life.
It creates unrealistic beliefs and expectations. distracted eating may lead to
overconsumption or under consumption as our focus is on the screen and not
our plate of food. Advertisements Influence Us More Than We Might Think.
Studies show that girls tend to photoshop or use filters when posting images of
themselves on social media. There is also some evidence suggesting that
adolescent girls who spend more time photoshopping selfies and editing their
image on social media have a higher body-related and eating concerns. Studies
have also suggested that the use of certain social media and photo editing
applications may be associated with increased feeling to get more likes and
comments and to get accepted by others and lower self-esteem

5.Describe the positive impacts of internet usage on human health and

body?
Ans:
There are many reasons why people have constantly invested in Internet
technology over the years.
Positive Impacts:
 Electronic Learning: If we have always wanted to learn a skill or take a
course offered at a given university, it can be American university or any
top university we can do so without having to travel to that institution.
 Remote learning has become quite popular, especially after the pandemic.
You can now access written content, live videos, or recorded sessions.
Basically, you can find nearly everything online, making it convenient for
learning.
 Electronic Communication: Technology has had a major influence on
the evolution of all forms of communication, especially business related
and personal. Many new forms of electronic communication have
emerged due to technological innovations; texting, voice calling, and
video chat are all examples of modern communicating advancements.
 Environmental Benefits: A greater awareness of the need to protect the
environment has grown during the last decade, and technology has been
one of the main factors in increasing this awareness to plant more trees,
keep the environment clean, reduce usage of plastic and many more
initiatives.
 Upgraded Convenient Lifestyle: While some technology is created for
profit, most of it is designed for the greater good and comfort of the
people. When it comes to lifestyle, technology facilitates daily lifestyle.
Transport, like Metro trains have made our transport quite easier and
faster. Daily household appliances, robotics, advanced machines, cars,
computers, Smartphones all have upgraded the living style of 21st-
century human beings.
 Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms can be a great tool if
used properly. You can get the latest updates about topics, including
current affairs, fashion, food, and even new revolutionary technologies.
This technology has made it easier to earn income for deserving people
with real talents.
6.What are Memes and how are they affecting language and culture?

Ans:

Memes have transcended their origins as simple internet jokes, evolving into
powerful tools for communication, cultural reflection, and even political
influence. In today’s digital landscape, they have become an integral part of our
online experience. They can shape public opinion, foster connections, and even
influence marketing strategies. Memes make a powerful force in digital culture,
and they transform the way we communicate and connect with one another.
 Internet memes are powerful tools for expression and connection in digital
culture.

 Memes act as cultural artifacts that spread rapidly, conveying complex ideas
with simplicity while building connections and communities.

 Political memes provide an effective tool for engaging in discourse,

influencing public opinion, and challenging traditional power structures.

Today, the internet is teeming with numerous memes. Often they are created
and shared on social media platforms, covering a wide range of topics from pop
culture to politics. Memes offer a unique form of expression to capture complex
ideas, political messages, social critiques and cultural observations in an
accessible and shareable manner. They echo collective experiences, concerns
and values, and become increasingly influential during significant events or
elections. Memes have become an important part of the way we communicate.
And they can be used to spread messages quickly and widely. They can be used
to start conversations, to challenge existing ideas, and to create a sense of
solidarity among people. Memes have emerged as a new form of language for
online communication, allowing users to express complex ideas and emotions in
a concise and visually appealing format. They can transcend cultures and
construct collective identities between individuals, fostering a sense of
belonging and shared understanding. By simplifying complex issues and
engaging emotions, memes have the potential to create profound impact on the
way we communicate and connect in the digital world. Memes provide a unique
way to communicate complex emotions and feelings, making them an important
part of the modern communication landscape.

7. What simple practices would you advocate for a safe cyber space and
well being? ( Pls include both Physical and mental well-being).
Ans:
 Update your software. In fact, turn on automatic updates.

 Implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts and make it

significantly less likely you’ll get hacked.

 Think before you click. More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with
a phishing email.
 Use strong passwords, and ideally a password manager to generate and store
unique passwords.

 Don’t share your credentials to anyone

 Not to share all details in social media and any where open in the internet
where anyone can able to see

 Use your digital gadget when and only required don’t use to excessive which
result in health issue