In today’s episode of Confessions of a CyberPsychologist, I talk to Cath Knibbs about:

00:54 What got her started in Cyber Trauma.

08:12 The escalation of difficult and traumatising content over the past decade.

09:13 The desensitisation or nervous system adaptability towards online content.

10:15 The content she develops as part of her activism, teaching and educating parents, therapists and teachers. 

11:00 What got Cath started in writing articles, books and developing online content to help others understand online trauma.

12:34 The psychology behind the use of tracking technology – for the victim and the perpetrator.

14:08 Why unread messages affect some more than others.

16:04 Her latest book on gaming and social media and having more intentional uses for technology.

19:35 The difference and similarities between boys and girls in gaming and social media and if there is addictive elements around either.

22:50 The Cyber Synapse Podcast.

28:03 Her TedX talk on why we do what we do online. It’s called The Real Social Dilemma and focusses on Bodies, Brains and Technology – how we connect with others in 2D and 3D online, how we perceive others and ourselves, and how this impacts our worldview. 

38:00 What started her on her PhD journey looking into online harm and inappropriate material, how online material traumatises children, how ubiquitous this material is amongst young children, and how shaming parents isn’t helpful in educating them about the ‘ogres in the screen’.

47:41 Her work as a Trauma Psychotherapist and how to get in touch if you would like help around online trauma.

50:33 Why we use technology in the way that we do.

51:33 How using technology and gaming in the therapy room can unlock insights into subconscious trauma and ways of operating in the real world.

56:24 How cyberpsychology is complicated, nuanced and depends on each individual. It is difficult to take a broad-brush approach.

58:18 Her favourite CyberPsychology book:  Pete Etchells ‘Unlocked’ and how this ought to have more media attention than Jonathan Haidt’s ‘The Anxious Generation’.

Cath is an expert in cyber trauma amongst adults and children. She is a psychotherapist and is currently studying towards a PhD.