A cyberpsychologist studies how technology and online environments impact human psychology and behavior. Some areas of focus include how social media has changed social lives, both positively and negatively, risks of online social tension, and the transfer of motivational theories like self-determination theory from gaming to other online contexts like education and training. Cyberpsychology aims to understand online user behavior and apply traditional psychological theories to digital environments and interactions.

1. What does a cyberpsychologist
do, really?
Dr Jens Binder
Nottingham Trent University

2. Cyberpsychology – all new and emerging?
Psychology and ICTs – scepticism prevails
But it does have noticeable effects?!
Pew Internet Project, Mobile fact sheet

3. Why a cyberpsychologist?
• “Online is a special environment”
– Ubiquity of technology
– Accessibility of services
– Persistence of content
– Broadcasting of information
• Import/adapt ‘offline’ theories and
methods
• Traffic accidents, online dating &
socialising, cyberbullying, addictive
behaviours etc

4. User motivation updated
• Beyond uses & gratifications: process!
• Successful theories of motivation transferred to gaming:
SDT and AGT
motivational climate
+
own competence
=
gaming experience

5. User motivation updated
• Instructional games and education
• Online training and staff development
• Self-presentational web services
• Technology acceptance for everyday activities
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LC NC LC NC
Mastery Performance
Female Male
Rose, Binder, & Bartholomew (under review)

6. Social media and networking
The sky is the limit?
Have SNS changed our social lives? Yes and No.
– The social capital debate
– FOMO
– Social spheres
Buglass, Binder, Betts, & Underwood (unpubl. data)

7. Social media and vulnerabilities
Diversity of social spheres  risk of online social tension (Binder,
Howes, & Smart, 2012)
User group Other Self
13 - 15 yrs 18% 24%
16 – 18 yrs 27% 43%
20 – 77 yrs 61% 23%
Buglass, Binder, Betts, & Underwood (unpubl. data)
Reported/Suspected misuse of
Facebook information

8. Thank you!
jens.binder@ntu.ac.uk
http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/staff_profiles/staff_directory/125265-0/26/jens_binder.aspx
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jens_Binder