Expert - Cybercology

Chelsea Gault | Ep 9

12 September 2024

by Carolyn Freeman with No Comment Expert Gaming Podcasts

Watch or listen:

The Psychology of Online Gaming.

In this episode, we explore the psychology of Personality, Archetypes and Self-Perception in online video game playing.

We chat about her research into Player Archetypes (the different roles players take on while gaming), how players may become disinhibited while they game, and how choosing a specific avatar can change a gamer’s perception of themselves.

Connect with the guests

Chelsea Gault

Chelsea is a full time Cyberpsychology PhD student at the University of Buckingham.

She works at Virtual Reality Experiences as a researcher, supporting the evaluation and development of a range of VR assessment and training modules. She also tests the use of VR for team building and group assessment – supported by empirical evaluation and research.

Is is also as a part-time hourly paid lecturer at the University of Huddersfield – lecturing in a variety of Psychology related subjects, – both at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

Connect on Social Media :

In today’s episode of Confessions of a CyberPsychologist, I chat with Chelsea Gault, who is a PhD research student focussing on the psychology of online gaming.

We specifically talk about:

01:01 What got Chelsea into the psychology of gaming and what she is focussing on looking at personality traits of gamers.

03:33 The world of eSports, what it is, why people participate and watch others play eSports and how to get into it.

09:31 If video games can affect a person’s reaction time.

11:14 What motivates people to play video games.

14:17 What impact ‘Player Archetype’ has on a person’s reaction time within a game (for more information on what player architype, read more here) , and identifying different types of gamer behaviour based on their unique personality traits.

20:31 How avatars chosen within a game can affect a players self-perception and how this affects their behaviour within the game (known as ‘The Proteus Effect).

22:26 Whether personality traits are linked to a players being more disinhibited within a video game.

26:13 Presenting her PhD initial work at the BPS CyberPsychology Conference and the insights gained so far.

31:18 The difference between gaming obsession and addiction, the positives of gaming

34:39 The point at which parents should become concerned about video game play and how to reduce the impact of ‘bad actors’ in online multiplayer games.

41:06 Advice for parents (and children) who are concerned about the online aspects of online gaming.

45:51 Our self-perception (i.e. how we see ourselves) in the online and offline world.

49:30 The correlation between violent video games and violent behaviour and the reporting thereof in the media.

Other podcasts

Ep 8 Todd Fletcher and Dr Chris Fullwood

Todd Fletcher and Dr Chris Fullwood | Ep 8

21 August 2024

by Carolyn Freeman with No Comment Cyber Security Expert Podcasts

Watch or listen:

The Psychology of CyberSecurity Professionals.

Why do cybersecurity professionals either blatantly or subconsciously disregard standard cybersecurity protocols?

In this episode, we explore the psychology of cybersecurity and the impact of personality and cognitive bias on our ability to resist cyber-attacks.

Connect with the guests

Todd Fletcher

Visit Todd’s research and personal website.

Dr Chris Fullwood

In today’s episode of Confessions of a CyberPsychologist, I chat with Todd Fletcher, who is a PhD research student focussing on the psychology of cybersecurity professionals, and Dr Chris Fullwood, who is a senior lecturer in psychology at Birmingham City University and one of Todd’s PhD supervisors.

We talk about the psychology of cybersecurity professionals and why they may intentionally or unintentionally disregard sound cybersecurity practices. We focus on:

01:00 Todd’s background in digital technology and how he became interested in studying CyberPsychology.

06:49 The difference is between CyberPsychology and Cybersecurity.

13:00 Todd’s PhD research on the behavioural influences of Cybersecurity professionals.

20:21 The ‘Big 5’ personality and, how they can either help or hinder a cybersecurity professional in an organisation, and if there are common traits amongst those more likely to become cyber victims.

35:23 The Security Acceptance Model and its practical application in organisational cybersecurity.

37:33 The recent DefCon conference in Las Vegas and the research Todd was doing at the conference.

42:49 The difference between White, Grey and Black Hat hackers.

47:20 What parents should know about teen amateur hacking behaviour.

01:02:43 The future of cybersecurity amongst professionals and the general tech user.

1:08:55 Advice for those starting out in cybersecurity, and

10:15:18 Managing good mental health practices amongst cybersecurity professionals.

Todd’s experience is in the digital realm within business. Having spent time implementing cybersecurity practices, he became interested in the people within the cyber processes, leading him to become interested in the psychology of people within cybersecurity.

If you are a cybersecurity professional, manage a cybersecurity team, or are interested in cybersecurity as a career, this is an episode to watch.

Other podcasts

Dr Chris Fullwood | Ep 6

9 July 2024

by Carolyn Freeman Expert Podcasts

In this episode, Chris tells us about self-perception, how we present ourselves online, how others perceive us, and the unconscious bias we have towards others in video calls. We specifically talk about:

00:45 Chris’s journey into CyberPsychology including completing a PhD in Video Mediated Communication in the late-1990s.

08:19 How video calls affect our self-perception, how our video call behaviour and expectations have changed over time, and why we have an unconscious bias towards those we talk to in a video call versus in-person conversations.

12:18 The cognitive demands that video conferencing has on the listener of a video call and the Equilibrium Theory around intimacy and physical distance.

16:02 The potential for people to be more open in online counselling and therefore hypothetically make it more effective than in-person counselling.

18:00 Being one of the four founding members of the BPS CyberPsychology Section and gaining acceptance of the discipline in the world of Psychology in the UK.

23:53 Chris’s development of the Presentation of Online-Self (PoS) scale, that measures: The Idealised Self, The Multiple Self, The Consistent Self and Online Presentation Preference. We touch on how this measure is related to other psychological theories such as Self-Concept Clarity and impression management.

32:48 How we build a perception, or understanding, of who we are as individuals and the Self-Perception Theory.

34:58 If spending excess time online influences our self-perception.

38:24 How we present ourselves in a 2D or 3D online context and an explanation of the Proteus Effect when inhabiting an avatar in video games or virtual reality.

42:50 The difference between the presentation of CyberPsychology ideas through academic writing, publishing and lecturing.

50:65 Chris’s current book and research project on AI and its impact on those in the creative industry – from a psychological perspective.

55:17 What undergrad and postgrad programmes Birmingham City University offer. https://www.bcu.ac.uk/social-sciences/courses

59:19 Applying for a PhD at BCU and getting in touch with Chris Chris.Fullwood@bcu.ac.uk or https://www.bcu.ac.uk/social-sciences/about-us/staff/psychology/chris-fullwood.

01:00:12 What the future of CyberPsychology may look like and what is needed to continue to build awareness of the discipline in the UK.

01:07:52 The (non)accuracy of media representation and reporting of cyberpsychology academic research findings.

01:12:00 The CyberPsychology book he recommends:

Stranger in the Mirror by Robert V. Levine – a scientific understanding of where our sense of self comes from.
The Oxford Handbook of CyberPsychology – a basic principles book of CyberPsychology.

Senior Lecturer

in the School of Social Sciences at Birmingham City University (UK)

Dr Fullwood is one of the founding members of the British Psychological Society’s Cyberpsychology section and was part of the working group tasked with updating the BPS’s Internet Mediated Research guidelines in 2020.

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

How we manage the impressions of others within various online spaces (e.g., online dating, social media), a
The ramifications of more unconstrained self-presentation, e.g on the impressions that others form of us as well as our own self-perceptions.

Other Specialisations

Digital inclusion and the empowerment of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Follow:

Birmingham City University Profile Page

Connect:

Email him directly at: chris.fullwood@bcu.ac.uk

Chris is also a Supervisor to PhD students.

Dr Lisa J Orchard – Social Media Usage and Resulting Impact

6 June 2024

by Carolyn Freeman Expert

Senior Lecturer

at University of Wolverhampton (UK)

Dr Orchard is also:

External Examiner MSc Cyberpsychology at IADT (Ireland)
BPS Hon. Secretary Cyberpsychology Section
Co-Lead, Cyberpsychology Research at The University of Wolverhampton (CRUW) Research Cluster

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Social Media Usage and the Resulting Impact

Other Specialisations

The role of technology within infant feeding decisions.
Personality and online behaviour.

Follow:

Professional Profile @ Wolverhampton University

Connect:

Email her directly at: l.j.orchard@wlv.ac.uk.

Lisa is also a Supervisor to PhD and Doctoral students such as Dr Fiona Clements.

They published articles alongside Dr Darren Chadwick on Cyberbullying and victimisation of those with mild to moderate disabilities.

Courses available at Wolverhampton

Videos and Podcasts

Helping Psychologists Explain Human Thought and Behaviour (2022)

In this webinar, Lisa joins Dr Linda Kaye and Dr Dave Harley in a discussion on gaming, social media, virtual reality, online learning and online groups – especially the around the motivations, experiences, and effects surrounding the interactions between humanity and technology.

Social Media in Covid-19 (26 March 2022)

The interview covers:

A discussion around social media use through Covid-19, and potential benefits and areas of risk.

Breastfeeding and the role of Social Media (2021)

This video is an infographic summary of research findings, focussed specifically on how we can best use social media to facilitate breastfeeding support and information.

Research Articles

Workplace Technology Research

24 March 2020

Active Social Media in Covid-19

This paper includes suggestions for positive social media use within Covid-19 Lockdowns.

Other Technology Research

2020

A systematic review exploring the impact of social media on breastfeeding practices

A systematic review of literature exploring the role of social media within breastfeeding practices.

Other CyberPsychology Research

Clements, F. A., Orchard, L. J., & Chadwick, D. D. (2024). A scoping review investigating the perspectives of people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities on experiences of cyberbullying victimisation and its subtypes. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295241252214 (Impact Factor: 1.5; Estimated Contribution: 25%)

Clements, F. A., Chadwick, D. D., & Orchard, L. J. (2023). ‘I’m not the same person now’: The psychological implications of online contact risk experiences for adults with intellectual disabilities. New Media & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448231217994 (Impact Factor: 5.0; Estimated Contribution: 25%)

Jovanović, T., Bodroža, B., Orchard, L., Fullwood, C., Kermani, H., Casale, S., … & Hren, D. (2023). Cross-cultural validity of the psycho-social aspects of Facebook Use (PSAFU) scale. Psihologija, 56(1), 31-62. (Impact Factor: 1.26; Estimated Contribution: 20%)

Kaye, L. K., Rousaki, A., Joyner, L. C., Barrett, L. A., & Orchard, L. J. (2022). The Online Behaviour Taxonomy: A conceptual framework to understand behaviour in computer-mediated communication. Computers in Human Behavior, 107443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107443 (Impact Factor: 8.957; Estimated Contribution: 20%)

Orchard, L. J., & Nicholls, W. (2022). A systematic review exploring the impact of social media on breastfeeding practices. Current Psychology, 41, 6107–6123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01064-w (Impact Factor: 2.387; Estimated Contribution: 80%)

Orchard, L. (2021, July). The virtual public servant: Artificial intelligence and frontline work by Dr Stephen Jeffares. British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Bulletin, 5. (Impact Factor: N/A)

Clements, F. A., Chadwick, D. D. & Orchard, L. J. (2020). Lockdown can be especially difficult for those with learning disabilities. Journal of Health and Social Care Improvement, 3(2), 21–24. (Impact Factor: N/A; Estimated Contribution: 10%)

Orchard, L. J., Fullwood, C., Morris, N., & Galbraith, N. (2015). Investigating the Facebook experience through Q Methodology: Collective investment and a ‘Borg’ mentality. New Media & Society, 17(9), 1547-1565. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444814530099 (Impact Factor: 5.31; Estimated Contribution: 90%)

Orchard, L. J., Fullwood, C., Galbraith, N., & Morris, N. (2014). Individual Differences as Predictors of Social Networking. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 19(3), 388-402. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12068 (Impact Factor: 7.432; Estimated Contribution: 90%)

Fullwood, C., Orchard, L. J., & Floyd, S. (2013). Emoticon convergence in Internet chat rooms. Social Semiotics, 23(5), 648-662. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2012.739000 (Impact Factor: 1.568; Estimated Contribution: 30%)

Orchard, L. J., & Fullwood, C. (2010). Current perspectives on personality and Internet use. Social Science Computer Review, 28(2), 155-169. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439309335115 (Impact Factor: 4.418; Estimated Contribution: 70%)

Vowles, A., Orchard, L. & Hever, T. (2007). A postnatal community social support group in Tipton, West Midlands. Clinical Psychology Forum, 172, 9-12. (Impact Factor: 0.15; Estimated Contribution: 40%)

Orchard, L. (2006). The effective use of consultations: A literature review. Psych-Talk, 54, 15-17. (IF: N/A)

ONGOING STUDIES / IN PREP.

Orchard, L. J., Nicholls, W., & Markova, A. (under review). Experiences of brelfie-taking and social media sharing by UK breastfeeding mothers.

Orchard, L. J., Nicholls, W., Hinton, D. & Elliot, M. (in prep.). Measuring general public attitudes towards breastfeeding: A scale validation.

Fullwood, C., Chadwick, D., Wesson, C., Chen-Wilson, J. & Orchard, L. J. (in prep). Sexual identity, self-concept clarity, and the online self.

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

Orchard, L. J. (2019). Uses and Gratifications of social media: Who uses it and why? In A. Attrill-Smith, C. Fullwood, M. Keep, D. Kuss (Eds.),The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology (pp. 3320-348). Oxford Academic.

BLOGS AND MEDIA ATTENTION

Orchard, L. J. (2023). When did you last see someone breastfeeding? University of Wolverhampton.https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/wlv-blog/2023/july-2023/blog-when-did-you-last-see-someone-breastfeeding.php

Orchard, L. J. (2021). Cyberpsychology: What is it? Why I love it and why you would love it too! University of Wolverhampton. https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/wlv-blog/2021/december-2021/cyberpsychology-what-is-it-why-i-love-it-and-why-you-would-love-it-too.php

British Psychological Society (2020). BPS cyberpsychologists say being active on social media will help you cope with isolation. [Press release picked up by many International news outlets]

El Pais (2019). The end of an era: what will happen when the ‘likes’ disappear. [Quoted interview]. https://elpais-com.translate.goog/tecnologia/2019/10/03/actualidad/1570055577_861141.html?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Orchard, L. J. (2019). The Impact of Social Media on Breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Network. https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/lisajorchard/

Orchard, L. J. (2019). E-boobs: The Impact of Social Media on Breastfeeding. University of Wolverhampton.https://www.wlv.ac.uk/staff/news/june-2019/e-boobs-the-impact-of-social-media-on-breastfeeding.php

Orchard, L. J. & Attrill-Smith, A. (2019). The Momo Challenge – What have we learned? University of Wolverhampton.https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/2019/march-2019/the-momo-challenge-what-have-we-learned-.php

Orchard, L. J. (2018). Why did you use social media today? University of Wolverhampton.https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/wlv-blog/2018/blog-why-did-you-use-social-media-today/blog-why-did-you-use-social-media-today.php

Orchard, L. J. (2017). Too many non-friends in your Facebook ‘friends’? University of Wolverhampton.https://www.wlv.ac.uk/news-and-events/wlv-blog/2017/too-many-non-friends-in-your-facebook-friends/too-many-non-friends-in-your-facebook-friends-.php

Books or Chapters Published

Book: The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology

(Chapter) Uses and Gratifications of Social Media: Who Uses It and Why?

The chapter on Social Media is a theoretical look at why people may be drawn to social media and how our individual differences may drive this usage.

Chapter Abstract taken directly from Oxford Handbooks Online Page:

Social media is built upon user-generated content and interactivity between users. Understanding the users within social media is therefore imperative to understanding how social media itself functions. This chapter explores the users of social media in more detail and asks the two key questions of who uses social media, and why they do so. When looking towards past research for inspiration as a way to understand user interest towards media, the Uses and Gratifications model stands out as a key approach for exploring media uptake. Therefore, the chapter starts by focusing on the Uses and Gratifications framework and how it can be used to explain why individuals are drawn to social media. The framework is then expanded to discuss how individuals’ personal needs, in particular personality, can impact upon such motivations.

Dr Darren Chadwick – Inclusion and Support Online

30 May 2024

by Carolyn Freeman Expert

Senior Lecturer

In Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Cyberbullying and victimisation amongst those with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

Darren is also a Supervisor to PhD and Doctoral students such as Dr Fiona Clements. They have published articles alongside Dr Lisa Orchard on Cyberbullying and victimisation of those with mild to moderate disabilities.

Follow:

Professional Profile @ Wolverhampton University

Connect:

Read his research:

You can find all his research at:

And at:

Dr Fiona Clements

23 May 2024

by Carolyn Freeman Expert Podcasts

Dr Fiona Clements works with adults with eating disorders in the UK National Health Service (NHS).

In this episode, Fiona tells us about:

00:49 Her background and what she is doing now in the NHS. Starting a Doctorate in CyberPsychology looking at digital inclusion specifically in intellectual disabilities.

09:00 Fiona’s Doctorate journey, what got her started, what a Doctorate involves, what she focussed on, how that links into the article that was published, and what it is like to finish and the impact of the doctoral research.

13:32 What started the project that brought Fiona into the process of the Doctoral research.

15:53 The different types of Cyberbullying. The negative online interactions of: online content, online contact, online conduct and online contract risks.

20:17 The gap in knowledge that the research was trying to address. The different types and definitions of cyberbullying. How cyberbullying differs from offline bullying.

24:05 Harassment as the most common experience of cyberbullying amongst those with intellectual disabilities.

25:48 The impact of age on the type of cyberbullying that takes place and the lack of cyber related research amongst older adults who have intellectual disabilities.

28:17 The definition and examples of online harassment, how that differs from flaming and how the online cyberbullying relates to offline bullying. The increased proliferation of gadgets since Covid, and the similarity of technology use between those with and without intellectual disabilities.

31:49 Practical applications of research around the different types of cyberbullying amongst those with intellectual disabilities. Insights that facilitate the development of interventions to support people, so they are able to independently use technology and understanding what support is needed to navigate online risks and decision making that happens online.

37:17 Additional findings due to be published on ways to support those with intellectual disability who may be exposed to online risks. Inequalities amongst those with eating disorders and focussing on 3^rd wave (compassion focussed) interventions and accessibility to this treatment.

50:23 The self-stigmatisation of cyberbullying linked to self-esteem. The differences in the type risks in relation to self-stigma and self vs others blaming.

52:23 Media’s sensationalising of academic research in a way that spreads misinformation and negative social narratives – to push their own agenda. The responsibility of academics to get research findings into the public domain in an understandable way and having to correct misinformation.

Counselling Psychologist (DCounsPsy)

Fiona’s Doctorate is from the University of Wolverhampton. Her MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Surrey.

She continues to be passionate about lived experience research with adults with developmental disabilities and their carers; specifically in the areas of cyberpsychology and health psychology.

Connect:

Get in touch at: fiona.clements@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.

Explore her up-to-date research

Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton | Ep 3

22 April 2024

by Carolyn Freeman Expert Podcasts

Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton specialises in online dating and relationships, and attraction.

Find out more about her on her website.

In this episode, Nicola tells us about:

Who she is and what got her started on the journey into Cyberpsychology.
Her Masters, PhD and research into online dating and how we present ourselves online through our dating profiles.
How her background in design has influenced her research and the work she does in CyberPsychology.
The research she has focussed on with online dating and how we judge other’s personality from their online profile.
How the cultural perception of online dating has changed in the last decade, especially since the launch of Tinder and the 2020 Lockdowns.
IADT in Ireland as the birthplace of the CyberPsychology Masters programmes and what CyberPsychology educational opportunities IADT offers – both this year and future academic years, in person and online: the Cyberpsychology certificate and 2-year part-time Masters and what criteria are required for each to be considered for entry into the IADT programmes.
Her Audible book The Psychology of Online Behaviour (Audible Only)
The moral panic and narratives being pushed by some mass media.
The role cognitive bias plays in media consumption.
The talks, webinars, seminars and media interviews she has done and is available to do, including what she focusses on and how to get in touch with her if you would like her to talk about a specific topic in CyberPsychology.
The podcast she is planning on launching in the summer of 2024.

Visit Dr Fox Hamilton’s website

Connect directly on Social Media.

Talks & Workshops

Dr Fox Hamilton is available for media interviews key note speeches, talks, workshops, lectures and panel discussions.

Previous Podcasts

Falling Apart podcast: Finding love in an online world.

The Explainer (Podcast): Is the internet bad for our brains?

The Blind Boy Podcast.

Audible Book

Purchase The Psychology of Online Behaviour here

IADT (Ireland)

Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton is a cyberpsychology researcher, lecturer & Programme Chair at IADT.

Discover more about the Certificate in Cyberpsychology.

Discover more about the part-time Masters in Cyberpsychology.

Do you have any CyberPsychology related questions?

If so, please get in touch. I will do my best to either answer your questions or find another expert who hopefully can. Use any of these options to send through your questions.

Email: podcasts@cybercology.com
Twitter:https://twitter.com/cybercology1
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybercology/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cybercology_digital_health/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/cybercologydigitalhealth/

Other Podcasts and Experts

Carolyn Freeman – Adult Problematic Digital Technology Use

16 February 2023

by Carolyn Freeman Expert

Problematic technology use amongst adults

Connect:

Email her directly at:

carolyn@cybercolgy.com

Follow:

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Problematic Adult Behaviour

Online Addiction (incl. Social Media Use)
Internet Gaming
Work-Home Boundary Blurring

Underlying Causes and Drivers

Adult ADHD/ADD
Stress and anxiety
Life Coping Mechanisms

Research Articles

Dr Maša Popovac – Cyberaggression, Cyberbullying and Online Risks

9 February 2023

by Carolyn Freeman Expert

Lecturer in Psychology

@ University of Buckingham, United Kingdom

Connect:

Email her directly at: masa.popovac@buckingham.ac.uk

Follow:

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

How to reduce cyberaggression, cyberbullying and online risks and build digital literacy and resilience.

Consultant Expertise:

Cyberbullying in the workplace

Other Specialisations:

Online safety training and interventions
Use of technology for health and wellbeing

Podcasts

Social Media and Mental Health (19 March 2021)

The podcast interview covers a discussion of how social media affects our mental health and what we can do to enhance our wellbeing in the context of technology use.

Videos

Long-term Effects of Trolling (8 August 2021)

An interview with CGTN’s Stephen Cole discussing the severity of cyberaggression and cyberbullying on mental health and wellbeing and what we need to do about it.

Online and offline aggression and bullying among adolescents in the UK and South Africa (December 2017)

A presentation at the World Anti-Bullying Forum about online and offline aggression and bullying among adolescents in the UK and South Africa

Workplace Technology Research

Note: although these links redirect to the published article, the research can be requested via Research Gate.

2019

Exploring the role of work identity and work locus of control in information security awareness.

This research explores the adherence to organisational information security and the role of work-related and individual factors such as individuals’ perceived control within the workplace, their commitment to current work identity, and the extent to which they are reconsidering commitment to work.

Hadlington, L., Popovac, M., Janicke, H., Yevseyeva, I., & Jones, K. (2019). Exploring the role of work identity and work locus of control in information security awareness. Computers & Security, 81, 41-48.

Media Articles

COVID-19 and the risk in cyberbullying among young people during lockdown

In this interview by Deutsche Welle, Masa highlights her concerns about the continuation of bullying in person once children return to school, especially if they were bullied during lockdowns.

Or download a PDF of the article.

4 ways to end Cyberbullying - without quitting the internet

Op-Ed piece in ‘Apolitical’

‘Limiting children’s screentime won’t make the problem go away.’

In this article Dr Popovac highlights the prevention and intervention strategies that we should be taking to address cyberbullying.

‘Working towards a coordinated multi-level approach to online safety that targets children and adolescents, parents and teachers, as well as service providers, organisations, charities and support services is key in ensuring comprehensive and impactful responses to the changing digital environment.’

Or download a PDF of the article.

Book Chapters Published

Book: The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology

(Chapter) The Psychology of Online Lurking.

Popovac, M. & Fullwood, C. (2019)

This chapter covers a number of aspects related to the personal and social determinants of online lurking within the context of health and education.

Chapter Abstract taken directly from Oxford Handbooks Online Page:

Lurking, or passive online participation, is often defined as non-participation or minimal participation in online groups or communities. Although lurking has previously been considered a negative behavior in online spaces, with lurkers accessing the social capital of online communities without providing anything in return, current perspectives consider lurking as a legitimate form of online participation. Current literature shows that lurking is a more nuanced activity than previously considered, as individuals may not only vary in their participation across different online groups but their participation may also vary over time within an online group. This chapter examines the key personal and situational factors associated with active or passive participation, as well as the differential outcomes linked to levels of engagement in online groups generally, followed by a more detailed exploration of lurking in the context of online support groups and education.

An intervention developed for young people in schools to enhance online safety.

Reducing Cyberbullying in Schools

(Chapter) An Intervention using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model

Popovac, M. & Fine, P. (2017)

An Intervention using the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model: Tackling Cyberaggression and Cyberbullying in South African Adolescents. In Campbell, M. & Bauman, S. Reducing Cyberbullying in Schools: International Evidence-Based Best Practices. Elsevier: USA

Chapter Abstract taken directly from the Psycnet Page:

‘This chapter describes an intervention that focuses on addressing cyberaggression, including cyberbullying. Cyberaggression, a broader term encompassing a range of different experiences including cyberbullying, harassment, and stalking that occur online, is defined as “intentional harm delivered by the use of electronic means to a person or a group of people irrespective of their age who perceive(s) such acts as offensive, derogatory, harmful or unwanted”. Experiences of cyberbullying are forms of cyberaggression, but only cyberbullying shows intentionality, imbalance of power, and repetition. These distinctions in definitions are important for accurately measuring the behaviors in research contexts, but have little bearing for those experiencing these behaviors or those aiming to address them. Thus, this intervention considers both cyberaggression and cyberbullying’

Beyond the School Gates:

Popovac, M. (2017)

Beyond the School Gates: Experiences of Cyberaggression and Cyberbullying among Adolescents in the UK. Technical Report by the University of Buckingham and Sir John Cass’s Foundation.

This chapter discusses the online risks among UK adolescents and parental perceptions of risk

Dr Beth T. Bell – Mental Health and Education in the Digital Age

26 January 2023

by Carolyn Freeman Expert

Lecturer in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education

University of York

Connect:

Email her directly at:

beth.bell@york.ac.uk

Follow:

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Mental Health and Education in the Digital Age

Consultant Expertise:

Dr Bell’s research expertise lies in youth wellbeing and mental health in the digital age.
More specifically, she adopts a mixed-methods interdisciplinary approach to understanding the risks and opportunities afforded by digital media and technologies in relation to youth wellbeing and mental health.
A second strand of her research involves the co-design, development and evaluation of psychological interventions delivered in educational and technological settings.

Media Articles

The dark side of Strava: What happens when users lose control

Applications can have unintended consequences that reach beyond what they were originally created for.

In this article Dr Bell contributes to a discussion on the downsides of applications like Strava, saying that using these apps can make ‘these people feel demotivated and stops them from engaging in physical activity.’

Or download a PDF of the article from the media website page.

Watch or listen:

The Psychology of Online Gaming.

Connect with the guests

Chelsea Gault

Other podcasts

Watch or listen:

The Psychology of CyberSecurity Professionals.

Connect with the guests

Todd Fletcher

Dr Chris Fullwood

Other podcasts

Senior Lecturer

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Other Specialisations

Follow:

Connect:

Other Podcasts and Experts

Senior Lecturer

Main CyberPsychology Expertise:

Other Specialisations

Follow:

Connect:

Courses available at Wolverhampton

Videos and Podcasts

Helping Psychologists Explain Human Thought and Behaviour (2022)

Social Media in Covid-19 (26 March 2022)

Breastfeeding and the role of Social Media (2021)

Research Articles

Workplace Technology Research

24 March 2020

Other Technology Research

2020

Other CyberPsychology Research

Books or Chapters Published

Book: The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology

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Senior Lecturer

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Counselling Psychologist (DCounsPsy)

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Talks & Workshops

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IADT (Ireland)

Do you have any CyberPsychology related questions?

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Problematic technology use amongst adults

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Research Articles

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Lecturer in Psychology

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Podcasts

Social Media and Mental Health (19 March 2021)

Videos

Long-term Effects of Trolling (8 August 2021)

Online and offline aggression and bullying among adolescents in the UK and South Africa (December 2017)

Workplace Technology Research

2019

Other Research Articles

2021

2021

2020

2019

Media Articles

COVID-19 and the risk in cyberbullying among young people during lockdown