Psychology and Emerging Technology

Technology and new media, such as smart phones and social media, are changing how we think, relate, connect, and learn. We will read cultural accounts of the recent changes in our society as well as examine what recent psychological literature tells us about the pros and cons of our wired world. We will review related research on such topics as attention, relationships, video games, the psychological effects of social media, brain and mind, learning and education, and relationships. The seminar will involve critical analysis and understanding of research in a new field, examined in the contexts of our own lives and experiences. 3 hrs. sem.