Psychology is no different. Technology is a factor that affects or influences virtually every aspect of life today including psychology. In the same way that technology influences how people behave, think, and work, psychologists employ technology to explore, understand and even treat mental illness. Technology also helps psychologists with their research, allowing them to collect and analyze data more efficiently and precisely than they would otherwise. Technology is an integral component of psychology research and treatment. From using computers to perform imaging using fMRI, to developing electronic tools for evaluating and tracking symptoms in patients with depression or anxiety.
Technology also influences the relationship that humans have with the digital systems in which they interact with daily. Some of the most famous technology companies in the world have departments that include psychologists that are experts in human cognition and perception. They conduct research to understand how people react to certain designs and make recommendations accordingly. In reality, the majority of the time, when you’re using a technology, be it your phone or Facebook you’re benefiting from the collaboration between psychology and computer science.
Sidney D’Mello, a researcher at Notre Dame University, is one of the many researchers who work at the intersection of computers and psychology. His research focuses on „affective computing,“ which is the study of how computers can recognize and interpret emotions. His team, for instance has created an algorithm that can assist computers in predicting if the person is about become angry or frustrated and determine the best course of action prior to the event happens.