The Positive Impact of Technology in the field of psychology

Running Head: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY IN FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY 1

6

THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY IN FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Positive Impact of Technology in the field of psychology

Oluwakemi Aina

Professor: Dr Debbie Rowe

Writ 301

10/11/2017

Author Note

This paper was prepared for Writ 301, RQ (40475)

taught by Dr Debbie Rowe

The Positive Impact of Technology in the field of psychology

Technological inventions seem to have improved our way of life, it’s has greatly changed the way people interact socially, also in professional field. Due to email and cell phones, it is now unnecessary to talk to someone face-to-face to receive treatment or make a business deal. According to Science Mag.org, “the internet’s growth along with technological advances in communication devices has made the world a more connected place” (Ⓒ 2017, Magazine Discount Center, all rights reserved). We are now able to make one phone call and reach someone across the world in a matter of seconds, in addition now you can also see that person through a simple wireless connection through the internet. So, technology of the modern age has greatly impacted the field of psychology in a positive way. Such as:

Careers arising from the discipline of psychology: according to an expect statement which stated that “Utilizing the multi-faceted abilities of the internet, the student of psychology has more technology at their disposal than ever before. From researching paper topics to taking notes in class; the computer can successfully perform a plethora of tasks which formerly required the student to spend unlimited hours at the university library, manually taking notes” ([email protected]). New technologies such as “smart boards, the internet and e- books allow the students of psychology to access, interact and carry information with them in new and exciting ways and despite obstacles such as cost, training and resistance to changes in professional way of teaching can impact students of psychology learning experiences in a verity of new and positive ways” (Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC). Also “search engines have made highly specialized psychology information available for students whenever and wherever they are able to connect to the internet. In fact, certain classes or the entire university can be found online” ([email protected]). This has revolutionized what it means to get a degree in psychology, especially those who were not able to receive a psychology degree because to scheduling or neighborhood problems. Furthermore, “the uses of computer testing bring changes in the field of psychologist” several interesting things are occurring now in the world of automation. According to “Online Psychology Degree Guide website” which stated that “Psychologists are influenced by technological advancements in many ways, and as computer technology has developed, tests have developed as well. Test takers using computers can be fed different questions based on their answers of previous questions. Research psychologists and diagnosticians take advantage of this to create more accurate assessment” (Kristen Fescoe, Copyright © 2017).

Automation help psychologist get more connected with their client: according to an expert’s experience, she stated that "Depending on the severity it can be a great way to connect to a client who does not have the ability to go to an appointment. She says, I work with some clients via phone/skype/web conferencing through a program called AbilTo. The program focuses on CBT treatment for people newly diagnosed with medical issues such as diabetes, cardiac events, cancer, anxiety, depression etc.… Often clients are homebound due to medical condition and the remote treatment allows them to have a therapist and/or coach despite physical limitation. It also can be helpful in situations where people are fearful of stigma they may be worried about. I have had clients with concerns over being 'seen' by a neighbor or friend going into an office of a therapist. Remote treatment provides a level of comfort for the client. Another advantage of remote treatment is logistics. Clients who are working and taking care of children or family members often do not have the time to go to treatment, however a remote session in the evening or on a lunch break can allow for better access to treatment” (Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC).

Internet make psychologist job more effective and yield better result: according to Ray Williams in his article “A Robot May Be Your Next Therapist” a research was conducted by the “University of Zurich” trying to find out whether online psychology and conventional face-to-face therapy are equally effective. The results for online therapy even exceeded their expectations. They concluded: “in the medium term, online psychotherapy even yields better results. Our study is evidence that psychotherapeutic services on the internet are an effective supplement to conventional therapeutic care.” (Ray Williams). These research show that people can stay in their comfortable home and receive any kind of therapeutic service on Internet with the help of computers. Also, according to James Manyika in his article “technology, jobs, and the future of work” he stated that “the development of automation enabled by technologies including robotics and artificial intelligence brings the promise of higher increased efficiencies, safety, and convenience in every job of today (By James Manyika). A research by Frederick Muench, “Technology and Mental Health: Using Technology to Improve Our Lives” also talk about the benefit of technology, he stated that “While most individuals immediately think of traditional talk therapy as the primary path toward self-improvement, there is a long history of using technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders” (James Manyika, Posted Apr 08, 2010 ). According to David Baker, Director of the Archives of the History of American Psychology (www3.uakron.edu/ahap), technologies within the mental health field have been most notably used for testing and diagnosis (David Baker).

Finally, Employment growth in the field of psychologist: there are fastest growth in the field of psychology of today, due to the introduction of automation. Many people in this field are now working closely with computer activities, which can help them tackle their client problem with ease. According to James Bessen, in his article “When computers start doing the work of people, the need for people often increases” this article stated that “what’s happening with automation is not so simple or obvious (James Bessen Jan 19, 2016). It turns out that workers will have greater employment opportunities if their occupation undergoes some degree of computer automation. If they can learn to use the new tools, automation will be their friend (Bessen, 2016).

The counterargument at this point, may be not being able to exercise social skill, which can be extremely dangerous to the human population, and can cause a delay in human development and progress, as we are social begins, who need other human’s (faced to face interactions). Also, people information is not safe, because it can get hacked and their information are no more confidential and I think dealing with a therapist, people information should be confidential.

In conclusion, the invention of technology has greatly impact the field of psychologist and the society in a positive light. With this technology you can further not only your social aspect as well but also your career that you may have.

References:

By James Manyika, Michael Chui, Mehdi Miremadi, Jacques Bughin, Katy George, Paul Willmott, and Martin Dewhurst, (2017 January).

Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC, Psychology Today is © 2017 Sussex Publishers, LLC

Hafner, Katie, Lyon, Matthew, Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet New York: Touchstone, (1996)

James Manyika, Michael Chui, Mehdi Miremadi, Jacques Bughin, Katy George, Paul Willmott, and Martin Dewhurst: Article McKinsey Quarterly (2015 November).

John Vincent Atanasoff & the Birth of Computer, Department of Computer Science, (2011 February 9,)

James Bessen, (2016 Jan 19) https://www.theatlantic.com/author/james-bessen.