When I arrived at APA in 2017, I strongly believed the gap was too large between the challenges people, particularly policymakers, experience and the psychological knowledge that can help inform those issues. Many other APA leaders felt there was a disconnect between people’s recognition of societal problems and their awareness of how psychology can contribute to solutions.
In the past 5 years, guided by our Council of Representatives’ strategic vision, APA has been increasingly intentional about closing that gap. Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal point in the association’s history, where we are more effectively using psychological science to impact major issues affecting broader society.
Here are two examples.
- Artificial intelligence. AI is affecting everything—education, business, art, and more. As discussed in the cover story on artificial intelligence, psychology is no exception. AI offers significant opportunities for research and clinical care. It also threatens to perpetuate bias and create problems for scholarly publications and student training if not used appropriately. As generative AI becomes increasingly widespread, APA is not only supporting our members in responding but proactively positioning psychology to help shape how AI is designed and implemented and how policymakers regulate its use.
- Youth and social media. Parents, caregivers, teachers, policymakers, the media, and youth themselves are struggling to navigate the complexities of social media and its effects. In response to this critical societal need, APA President Dr. Thema Bryant convened an expert advisory panel to draw on the diverse wealth of scientific expertise from our field and expeditiously translate it into actionable recommendations. By leading with our science, APA has not only helped empower adults and adolescents to make better decisions about using social media, it has also elevated psychology to be an integral stakeholder in understanding this technology as it evolves.
Our members have fueled this progress and continue to propel APA and psychology forward. I hope you will continue to be a part of this work, including volunteering to serve in governance, translating your expertise for the media, or informing APA resources. With your help, imagine the policies we can influence, the people whose lives we can improve, and the future we can shape.
