Psychology is playing a critical and unique role in shaping how people interact with rapidly developing technologies that are changing the way we work, learn, build, connect, and live. As the science of human behavior, our field is the best positioned to help integrate human factors into generative AI, robotics, connectivity, and other technologies that will have a profound impact on society. Combining our science with new technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance well-being throughout the world.
As part of our strategic plan to bring psychology to where it is needed most, APA presented a series of conversations at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Showopens in new window (CES) in Las Vegas, which drew 135,000 attendees from around the world and is the global proving ground for new technology. Psychological scientists shared research on the ethics of artificial intelligence, protecting kids online, harnessing digital interventions to improve health, and more. Psychology having a seat at the table helped tech innovators understand our field’s role in maximizing the benefits and reducing potential harms of AI and other new technologies. Tech media took notice, writing about how our field can help shape ethical norms for developers and how government and industry can make tech easier to use.
[Related: How psychology is shaping the future of technology]
Through our ongoing participation in discussions around new technologies, APA is signaling that psychology is crucial to understanding how people will interact with and be affected by emerging technologies. This level of inclusion helps strengthen psychology as a science and ensures the human element does not get left behind as innovations rapidly advance.
CES is just the beginning. Psychology will need to continue to make our broad relevance known and secure a seat at every table where policies, products, and services are being shaped.
Think about how you can engage with these latest developments in technology. These incredible innovations can unlock new areas of research and practice. They can expand how we develop, evaluate, and apply our expertise to the critical issues of the day. They will allow us to connect our work to some of society’s most pivotal issues. Tech is a moving target: Getting deeply involved in these discussions now will keep psychology and the human element top of mind as tech innovators continue to dazzle the world.
