Assignment on Cyberpsychology

1)
Cyberpsychology is a scientific field that studies how technology, especially digital
technology, affects human mind and behaviour. It covers topics such as online identity, social
media, cyberbullying, online gaming, e-learning, cybercrime and more hence is very much
relevant in this day and age.

2)
Technology can impact human psychology in several ways, both positively and negatively.
Here are a few examples:
• Social comparison: Social media platforms can trigger feelings of envy and social
comparison, which can lead to negative emotions and reduced self-esteem. People
often compare their own lives and accomplishments to those of others, leading to a
constant sense of competition and comparison.
• Addiction: Technology addiction, such as internet or social media addiction, can have
a negative impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other
negative outcomes. This addiction can be linked to the release of dopamine in the
brain, which is the same chemical that is released in response to drugs or other
addictive behaviours.
• Multitasking: Technology often encourages multitasking, which can lead to reduced
productivity and increased stress. People who are constantly switching between
tasks may find it difficult to focus and may feel overwhelmed.
• Virtual relationships: Technology has allowed people to form virtual relationships and
communities, which can be both positive and negative. Virtual relationships can be
supportive and fulfilling, but they can also be superficial and lacking in authenticity.
• Accessibility: Technology has made information and resources more accessible than
ever before, which can have a positive impact on mental health. People can now
access mental health resources and support from anywhere in the world, making it
easier to seek help when needed.
• Overall, technology has the potential to impact human psychology in many ways, and
it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. It is important to use
technology mindfully and to seek help if technology use is negatively impacting
mental health.

3)
FOMO is an acronym for fear of missing out. It is a feeling of anxiety or insecurity that you
might be missing out on something exciting or interesting that others are doing. FOMO can
be triggered by social media posts that show other people’s activities, achievements, or
experiences.
FOMO can affect human behaviour in different ways, such as:
 • Making you check your phone or social media more often to keep up with what
others are doing.
• Making you say yes to invitations or opportunities that you are not really interested
in or that conflict with your priorities.
• Making you feel dissatisfied with your own life or compare yourself negatively to
others.
• Making you spend more money than you can afford on things that you think will
make you happy or popular.

4)

Excessive usage of gadgets and media can affect eating habits in several ways, such as:

• Media multitasking: Switching frequently between digital devices can increase

distraction, stress, and impulsivity, which may lead to unhealthy food choices and
obesity.
• Screen exposure: Watching gadgets while eating can reduce attention to hunger
cues, satiety signals, and food quality, which may lead to overeating and poor
nutrition.
• Social media: Viewing images or posts of food can influence appetite, cravings, and
consumption patterns. Social media can also expose users to unrealistic body
standards or harmful messages that may trigger eating disorders.

Some disorders related to excessive gadget and media use and eating habits are:

• Anorexia nervosa: A disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a

distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake.
• Bulimia nervosa: A disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating
followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive
exercise.
• Binge-eating disorder: A disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large
amounts of food in a short period of time without compensatory behaviours.

5)

Internet usage can have positive impacts on human health and body in several ways, such
as:

• Providing access to health information, apps, and services that can help users track,
manage, and improve their physical and mental well-being.
• Enabling social connection, support, and engagement with others who share similar
interests, experiences, or challenges.
• Enhancing learning, creativity, and cognitive abilities by exposing users to diverse
sources of knowledge, entertainment, and stimulation.
 • Providing opportunities for online therapy, counselling, or coaching that can help
users cope with mental health issues or personal challenges.
• Offering access to online games, music, videos, or podcasts that can provide
relaxation, enjoyment, or distraction from stress or pain.
• Facilitating online education, training, or work that can enhance users’ skills,
knowledge, or career prospects.

6)

Memes are cultural objects, images, videos, phrases, music or other elements that spread
from person to person within a culture or online through social media12. They often have a
humorous or ironic tone and reflect popular trends, opinions, events or emotions.
Memes can affect language and culture in various ways, such as:

• Creating new words, expressions or meanings that enrich or challenge the existing
language norms.
• Influencing how people communicate, interact or relate to each other online or
offline.
• Shaping collective thinking, values or identities by expressing shared views,
experiences or feelings.
• Challenging dominant discourses, ideologies or power structures by exposing
contradictions, biases or injustices.

However, memes can also have negative impacts on language and culture such as:

• Promoting offensive, controversial or harmful remarks that may hurt others’ feelings
or rights.
• Spreading misinformation, stereotypes or prejudices that may mislead others’
understanding or judgment.

Therefore, it is important to be critical and responsible when creating or consuming memes.

7)

Some simple practices that I would advocate for a safe cyber space and well-being are:

• For physical well-being, take regular breaks from screen time, adjust your posture
and lighting, exercise regularly, eat healthily and drink enough water.
• For mental well-being, limit your exposure to negative or stressful online content,
seek professional help if you experience cyberbullying or harassment, practice
mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
• For cyber safety, use strong passwords and encryption tools, avoid clicking on
suspicious links or attachments, update your software and antivirus regularly, report
any cyber threats or incidents.
• For cyber wellness, develop your information and media literacy skills, be respectful
and responsible when communicating or sharing online, protect your personal data
and privacy.
• For physical well-being, adjust your screen brightness and contrast, use blue light
filters or glasses, stretch your eyes and muscles frequently.
• For mental well-being, balance your online and offline activities, seek positive and
supportive online communities, express your emotions and thoughts in healthy
ways.
• For cyber safety, use different passwords for different accounts, enable two-factor
authentication, backup your data regularly.
• For cyber wellness, verify the sources and credibility of online information, respect
intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism.