Psychology of the Digital Age: Humans Become Electric

Description

Based on two decades of participant-observation field research in diverse online environments, this engaging book offers insights for improving lifestyles and enhancing wellbeing in the digital age. John R. Suler, a founder of the field of cyberpsychology, explains its fundamental principles across a wide variety of topics, including online identity management, disinhibition, communication via text and photographs, intimacy and misunderstandings in online relationships, conflicting attitudes toward social media, addiction, deviant behavior, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and media overload. He provides a new framework, the 'Eight Dimensions of Cyberpsychology Architecture', which researchers, students, and general readers interested in cyberpsychology can apply as a valuable tool for creating and understanding different digital realms. Psychology of the Digital Age focuses on the individual, shedding new light on our conscious as well as subconscious reactions to online experiences and our intrinsic human need to self-actualize.

John R. Suler is Professor of Psychology at Rider University's Science and Technology Center and Honorary Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has published widely on cyberpsychology, Eastern philosophy, photographic psychology, psychotherapy, and creativity, including the book Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Eastern Thought.

'Professor John R. Suler is acknowledged as the world's leading expert in cyberpsychology and the founder of the discipline ... [His] treatment creates a powerful argument for the consideration of cyberpsychology as a unique and valuable discipline in its own right, and is groundbreaking in this regard ... His transdisciplinary vision is reflective of the discipline itself, and therefore the content will likely resonate with those of us who are immersed in this subject and those who are interested in discovering it. John's elegant writing style, especially the narrative and historical aspects of the book, should delight anyone with an interest in technology and psychology while providing professors and students in all the fields that interface with the digital world a coherent and informed overview of cyberpsychology.' Mary Aiken, Director, Cyberpsychology Research Centre, from the Foreword 'John Suler's long anticipated follow-up to his groundbreaking The Psychology of Cyberspace is finally here - and it's well worth the wait. Exploring what it means to be human in this digital age, Suler smartly captures the challenges facing us as we integrate and translate our analog lives - and even our relationships - into digital. This is thought-provoking reading, setting a new standard as the reference for exploring and understanding our complex, ever-evolving interactions with technology.' John M. Grohol, Founder and CEO, PsychCentral.com 'In Psychology of the Digital Age, Suler profoundly reviews cyberpsychology and provides thoughtful understanding of emerging human nature in the context of innovative social technologies, while suggesting interesting psychodynamic views on contemporary psychology. In a creative way, [he] offers a unique and fresh look at the psychological dynamics of numerous behavioral and emotional phenomena characterizing digitally immersed individuals, virtual social environments, and psychological interventions enabled online.' Azy Barak, University of Haifa 'John Suler is a pioneer in the rapidly evolving field of cyberpsychology. This book integrates his groundbreaking work over the past two decades. Psychology of the Digital Age explains the diverse nature of online environments and how we form identity and communicate via text and photographs, and the intimate power of online relationships. The book looks at online communication and shows us how our online experiences help us grow, learn, and self-actualize.' Dr Kimberly S. Young, Founder and Director, Center for Internet Addiction Recovery '... Psychology of the Digital Age is a comprehensive and subtle exploration of the various ways that online technology is disputing norms of interaction, behaviour and identity. Professor Suler has done an excellent job of setting out a clear framework for future discussion and exploration of these subjects in a way that will be beneficial and fascinating to both professionals and laypeople, and to whom it is highly recommended.' Gareth Southwell