Whether you are a clinician seeing the mental health impacts of social media, a researcher studying algorithmic bias, or an educator preparing the next generation of psychologists, you are experiencing firsthand how artificial intelligence is reshaping society at unprecedented speed. Psychology is essential to getting it right.
That means APA must operate on two simultaneous fronts. APA should serve as a critical steward of behavioral science to make AI safer, holding tech companies accountable when they fall short. We should also work directly with these companies, bringing psychological science into the rooms where new tools are being developed.
Three dimensions define our approach to this work.
- How we partner. Our collaboration with Google and YouTube is a good example of what a strong partnership looks like. Independently, APA identified, assessed, and synthesized the best research on healthy teen video viewing—entirely on our terms, with no industry influence. Partnership was essential for dissemination, broadening the reach of our parent guides and other content based firmly on our science. Partnerships must enhance the impact of our work, not compromise its credibility.
- What we bring. Many organizations focus solely on AI’s risks. APA firmly believes in preventing harm resulting from AI as well as maximizing its potential benefits. Knowledge from developmental, social, and cognitive psychology informs how we both mitigate harm and shape scalable systemic solutions. This dual focus ensures we are not just reacting but actively guiding technology to benefit society and promote well-being.
- Where we show up. Our members consistently tell us that they want APA to have an impact on major societal issues. Few forces are reshaping society more profoundly than AI. Rather than waiting for tech leaders to come to us, we are bringing psychology to them and showcasing why it is invaluable to their work. Our programs on behavioral science and technology at global industry conferences like the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas have been extremely well-received. We are inserting psychological expertise into the conversations that matter most, in the spaces where technological decisions are being made.
This approach requires sophisticated vigilance. Maintaining our critical voice while engaging directly is sometimes complicated, but it is necessary if we truly want psychology to impact AI for the better. We must ensure scientific rigor, leverage strategic partnerships, and stay committed to preventing harm and advancing human flourishing. AI demands nothing less from us.
