Psychology is no different. Technology is a factor that affects or influences practically every aspect of life today including psychology. Similar to how technology influences how people act, work, and think psychologists also make use of technology to investigate and understand mental disorders, as well as to treat them. Technology aids psychologists in their research by permitting them to collect and analyse data much faster and more precise than they otherwise be in a position to. From using computers to create fMRI images to developing electronic symptom evaluation and tracking tools for patients with depression and anxiety technology is a major component of psychological treatment and research.
Technology also affects the relationship between humans and the digital systems they interact with on a regular basis. Many of the world’s most well-known technology companies have large departments of psychologists who are experts in human perception and cognition, who carry out studies to see how users respond to certain designs, and suggest changes in response. The majority of the time, when you utilize a piece of technology, such as your phone or Facebook you are benefiting from the collaboration between psychology and computer science.
At Notre Dame, Sidney D’Mello is among the many researchers working at the meeting between computers and psychology. His research focuses on “affective computing,” which is the study of how computers can discern and interpret emotions. His team, for instance has developed an algorithm that can assist computers in predicting if an individual is likely to become angry or frustrated, so that it can take appropriate action before the event occurs.