Psychology of Media & Technology

Should YouTrack?  Is it useful sometimes?  Sure!  Could it damage your relationship?  Absolutely.  From a psychological perspective, these apps force us to address our beliefs about privacy, ‘feeling watched’ and the relational costs versus benefits of tracking. It all boils down to trust and establishing an honest set of ground rules. #mediapsychology

Social media is an extension of our social world.  Behaviors that are annoying or hurtful offline, are just, if not more, annoying online.  People often forget that they are talking to a broader "public" or audience, not just a few friends.  The result is that something that might be cute or innocuous can end up having an entirely different meaning and impact.  The result?  More distance between you and your friends, not closer.  The best test is to step out of your own shoes and look at your posting behavior through objective eyes of an outsider.  

It's interesting how quickly the narrative goes from "getting useful information" to presuming total reliance on technology as if there's no positive middle ground.  This 2017 article shows how little progress we've made in our technophobia.  BTW, I agree with Dr. Nadig that conflict, respecting differences and learning to have personal boundaries are critical to healthy relationships. That is a separate issue from whether technology can provide information that helps someone learn more productive behavior habits.  Have more emotional control should actually help people resolve conflict because it diminishes the "fight or flight" response and allows more room for empathy.  #mediapsychology #positivemediapsychology