Image via Wikipedia
Technology has altered the field of psychology in many ways. First of all, there are many new categories of psychology that relate to technology. Human factors, for example, deals with making technology more user-friendly for non-technical people.
Other new psychology fields have sprung up in response to the effects of technology, too. For example, Internet addiction disorder is a concern, and psychologists are trying to decide whether it belongs in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
Technology has changed the way we live our lives, which has obviously impacted the psychology department as well. People communicate online, which has changed relationships. People date online, too, which has certainly been discussed in many psychology offices!
The Internet has changed daily lives, and, the general thoughts and patterns of the modern mind. In other words: the self that grows out of daily tweets, emails, multi-tasking and so on, is different than the pre-historic self that gathered fruit and hunted for animals.
More importantly: there are lots of new technical tools being used for psychological research. For example, there is new imaging equipment that allows researchers to study the visual complexities of the brain.
For example: psychologists now know which parts of the brain are involve in memory. It’s possible to see where short term, long term and sensory information are stored.
Here’s another thing: software is being used to track emotional health and moods. So, people can track their feelings over a period of time, which may help researchers gather data. Technology and psychology are so intertwined, that some universities, such as MIT, are considering combining the disciplines.
