The intersection of psychology with computers is a crucial junction where psychological concepts meet technological advancements, resulting in innovation and user centered design in the tech industry. It is important for tech developers to have a solid understanding of the human mind and behavior in order to create engaging, intuitive and efficient technologies that are best suited to our users.
Psychology is a field of study that focuses primarily on mental disorders. However, it can also have a wide range of applications in our contemporary world. For instance, telehealth and online therapy are currently being used in clinical settings to offer access to treatment for patients who might not otherwise afford or access traditional therapy services. The study of empathetic behavior and how best to help others has led psychologists to develop chatbots that provide an inclusive and accessible treatment to those who may be reluctant to talk to a traditional therapist out of fear of judgment or embarrassment.
Computer technology has also altered the method psychologists collect data to conduct their research. Instead of relying on questionnaires and experiments which limit researchers to a small sample of participants who must be incentivized to participate, tracking hundreds or thousands of individuals on a daily basis using computer technology allows for more advanced statistical analysis with a much larger pool of data. This new approach is referred to as Psychoinformatics, and it is a new field of research within the field Psychology.
It's no doubt that psychology and computers are a natural pair, because both fields study human behavior and cognition. It is therefore crucial that students who are interested in psychology consider the many possibilities that can be made possible by advanced computer skills.