Prof. Dr. Raakesh Kriplani | Ep 4

Prof. Dr. Raakesh Kriplani | Ep 4

Watch or listen:
The Work of CyberPsychology in India.

Prof. Dr. Raakesh Kriplani (in India) works alongside government institutions and the Rashtriya Raksha University to train the next generation of CyberPsychologists in India. We talk about how effective robotic, and AI mental health counselling therapy is and what influences children’s digital technology behaviour.

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Prof. Dr Raakesh Kriplani

Prof. Dr Raakesh Kriplani is a pioneering CyberPsychologist in Pacific Asia, working in therapy, security and training.

Find out more about the work he does on the CIIPS website.

Rashtriya Raksha University:

In this episode, we speak with Professor Rakesh Kriplani, a leading cyberpsychologist in Asia-Pacific and the director of the Cosmic Integrated Institute of Psychology and Security (CIPS). Professor Kriplani shared his remarkable journey from a background in traditional psychology and medicine to becoming a pioneer in CyberPsychology.

A Unique Path to Cyberpsychology
Professor Kriplani’s journey began with a desire to bridge the gap between medical and psychological understanding. His early career involved working in pharmaceutical companies and medical colleges, fostering an eclectic approach to psychology. His fascination with the burgeoning digital world led him to envision the potential of online counselling as far back as 2008, long before it gained mainstream traction.

Building a Digital Ecosystem for Mental Health
Professor Kriplani’s efforts have culminated in the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem addressing digital wellness and CyberPsychology. Key initiatives include:

  • Digital Wellness Workshops: With a commitment to deliver 900 workshops annually in schools, these sessions focus on the science behind digital behaviours, addiction, and neurological impacts.
  • Training Cyberpsychologists: Through certificate and diploma courses, CIPS is equipping a new generation of professionals with the skills to address cyber addiction, digital counselling, and cyber security.
  • Digital Rehab Centre: Set to launch on a 20-acre island in Goa, India, this initiative will focus on combating mobile addiction through immersive, tech-free experiences.

Cybersecurity and Radicalisation
Professor Kriplani also highlighted the broader applications of Cyberpsychology, particularly in addressing global challenges such as cyberterrorism, radicalisation, and misinformation. His work with India’s Ministry of Home Affairs and international organisations reflects a growing recognition of cyberpsychology’s potential to enhance both national security and societal well-being.

The Role of AI in Mental Health
A particularly exciting development is the integration of robotics and AI in mental health. Professor Kriplani is pioneering India’s first robotic counselling centre, which leverages AI to provide unbiased, stigma-free counselling. While acknowledging the limitations of AI in addressing complex emotional needs, he emphasises its suitability for issues like mild trauma, relationships, and teen counselling.

Challenges and Vision
Despite his significant achievements, Professor Kriplani candidly discussed the challenges of scaling Cyberpsychology, including a lack of funding and trained professionals. His ultimate vision is to make Cyberpsychology as globally recognised as yoga, positioning India as a leader in this transformative field.

Join the Movement
Professor Kriplani’s work underscores the urgent need for global collaboration in Cyberpsychology. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or tech enthusiast, there’s a role for everyone in building a healthier digital future.

Recommended Reading:

Wired for Wellness, provides practical insights for parents, teachers, and students to navigate the digital world.

Podcast Transcript

(Transcript generated directly from podcast audio using TurboScribe, and not manually corrected for transcribing errors).

Welcome to Confessions of a Cyberpsychologist. Today I’m chatting with Professor Rakesh Kriplani who is a pioneer cyberpsychologist in Asia-Pacific and director of the Cosmic Integrated Institute of Psychology and Security which we’re going to find out more about later. Thank you for joining us today Rakesh.

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