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Psychology Through Technology

Mind tech life hacks for the curious.

Artificial Intelligence
Enter Robots: Are We Ready?

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on April 25, 2024

In science fiction, from “I Robot” to Star Trek, eventually the same question arises: Are robots people? AI humanoid robots are coming. Are we ready with an answer?

In science fiction, from “I Robot” to Star Trek, eventually the same question arises: Are robots people? AI humanoid robots are coming. Are we ready with an answer?

Social Media
Traumatic Media Overload Could Impact Our Mental Health

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on February 7, 2024

Violent online scenes of war, disasters, and crime may negatively impact children and vulnerable adults. What can we do to limit exposure and better cope with "traumatic media?"

Violent online scenes of war, disasters, and crime may negatively impact children and vulnerable adults. What can we do to limit exposure and better cope with "traumatic media?"

Parenting
Parenting in the Digital Age

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on November 28, 2023

The internet contains violent and sexual images that can traumatize youngsters. Parents must stay informed, communicate, and use the tools available to manage children's exposure.

The internet contains violent and sexual images that can traumatize youngsters. Parents must stay informed, communicate, and use the tools available to manage children's exposure.

Artificial Intelligence
How Machine-Learning Differs from Human Learning

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on August 17, 2023

Artificial Intelligence remains very different from human intellect. Future AI trainers must consider how humans learn about morals, to eventually create safe and ethical machines.

Artificial Intelligence remains very different from human intellect. Future AI trainers must consider how humans learn about morals, to eventually create safe and ethical machines.

Neuroscience
Mapping the Brain: The Future of Neuroscience

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on August 23, 2022

Emerging technology could soon measure neural activity at a cellular and electro-chemical level to uncover mysteries of how the brain creates behaviors, thoughts, perceptions, and moods.

Emerging technology could soon measure neural activity at a cellular and electro-chemical level to uncover mysteries of how the brain creates behaviors, thoughts, perceptions, and moods.

Health
Will Your Future Smart Device “Red Flag” You?

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on June 17, 2022

In the near future, your smartwatch will signal when you're experiencing high stress, signalling you to perform a checkup, a stress-reduction module, and contact your therapist.

In the near future, your smartwatch will signal when you're experiencing high stress, signalling you to perform a checkup, a stress-reduction module, and contact your therapist.

Media
Adolescents and Social Media

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on April 24, 2022

It's up to parents and educators to promote a new digital “netiquette" and online consumer savvy. Take the high road.

It's up to parents and educators to promote a new digital “netiquette" and online consumer savvy. Take the high road.

Media
Technology Is Helping Make History

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on March 8, 2022

Technology is changing what we see and hear from around the world. We must think critically about what is real and what isn’t. Technology is making history and changing our world.

Technology is changing what we see and hear from around the world. We must think critically about what is real and what isn’t. Technology is making history and changing our world.

Loneliness
Is Loneliness a Side Effect of the Digital Social World?

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on May 1, 2021

Social media may not be good for everyone. Some are left behind in a digital domain. Are you nurturing your connections so that friends are still there when you unplug from the grid?

Social media may not be good for everyone. Some are left behind in a digital domain. Are you nurturing your connections so that friends are still there when you unplug from the grid?

Social Life
Our Digital Social Life

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on March 7, 2021

Accelerated by the pandemic, is a digital social life here to stay? And am I the only one that hopes we don’t let video contact become the default method of togetherness?

Accelerated by the pandemic, is a digital social life here to stay? And am I the only one that hopes we don’t let video contact become the default method of togetherness?

Media
Social Media: Guard Rails, Censorship, or Us?

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on January 18, 2021

Don't count on social media to police information for you—the best arbiter of truth is your own capacity to understand that baloney, no matter how you slice it, is still baloney.

Don't count on social media to police information for you—the best arbiter of truth is your own capacity to understand that baloney, no matter how you slice it, is still baloney.

Stress
Flatten the Curve

Jeffrey N Pickens Ph.D. on December 23, 2020

Is your life a yo-yo pattern of ups and downs? Manage your energy to "flatten your curve" and avoid overwhelming your mind-body system.

Is your life a yo-yo pattern of ups and downs? Manage your energy to "flatten your curve" and avoid overwhelming your mind-body system.