Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102350

Coordinator Mac Mingon Opens in new window

Description Digital technologies and online environments have transformed how people interact, communicate, and organise. This subject explores the intersection of psychology and these ‘online worlds’, and critically examines the potential benefits and challenges it presents. Students will learn about a variety of online behaviours and environments, including the formation of social movements, the spread of moral panics and conspiracy theories, along with the potential of online therapy and psychological interventions. By the end of the subject, students will be able to understand and evaluate the psychological aspects of online activities and apply this knowledge to real-world situations.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) BEHV 1018 AND
BEHV 1016

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour, Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) or Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Arts/Bachelor of Arts programs with a major in Psychological Studies. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour must have successfully completed 70 credit points. Students enrolled in all other programs must have completed the two Level 1 pre-requisite subjects as stated above, as well as 30 credit points from the following Psychology Level 2 subjects: BEHV2002 Brain and Behaviour, MATH2006 Experimental Design and Analysis, BEHV2010 Perception, or BEHV2005 Human Learning.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify and evaluate the psychological aspects of online behaviours and social movements (Australian Psychological Accreditation Council - APAC Graduate Competency 1.1x).

2. Critically review the debates about the psychological aspects of online interactions in a range of contexts. (APAC Graduate Competency 1.6).

3. Distinguish between forms of online anonymity and be aware of the risks and benefits of anonymity (APAC Graduate Competency 1.6).

4. Analyse instances of risky or problematic forms of online conduct and identify of explanations of the psychological drivers of such conduct. (APAC Graduate Competency 1.1).

5. Describe the potential and scope of online platforms for delivering psychological services and interventions. (APAC Graduate Competency 1.2).

6. Explain how psychological approaches can inform online safety (APAC Graduate Competency 1.2).

Subject Content

1. Introduction to Cyberpsychology 

2. Online Environments

3. Online Learning and Motivation

4. Videogames for training and changing behaviour

5. Digital Addictions

6. Online relationships

7. Online therapy and support 

8. Online Aggression

9. Online Racism and Prejudice 

10. Online Communities

11. Online Protest

12. Conspiracy theories