Ethical Challenges in Digital Psychology and Cyberpsychology

Our technologies are progressively developing into algorithmic devices that seamlessly interface with digital personhood. This text discusses the ways in which technology is increasingly becoming a part of personhood and the resulting ethical issues. It extends upon the framework for a brain-based cyberpsychology outlined by the author's earlier book Cyberpsychology and the Brain: The Interaction of Neuroscience and Affective Computing (Cambridge, 2017). Using this framework, Thomas D. Parsons investigates the ethical issues involved in cyberpsychology research and praxes, which emerge in algorithmically coupled people and technologies. The ethical implications of these ideas are important as we consider the cognitive enhancements that can be afforded by our technologies. If people are intimately linked to their technologies, then removing or damaging the technology could be tantamount to a personal attack. On the other hand, algorithmic devices may threaten autonomy and privacy. This book reviews these and other issues.

'Thomas D. Parsons has written a must-read primer for anyone working in Cyberpsychology and has to face the complex world of the ethical issues caused by technology. Read this book and learn, from an experienced researcher, how to deal with the complex ethical challenges offered by social media, videogames, and virtual reality.' Giuseppe Riva, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, and President of the International Association of CyberPsychology, Training, and Rehabilitation (iACToR), 'The ethics and privacy implications of using social media, the internet, and emerging technologies are a central concern. This much-needed book develops an ethical approach to cyberpsychological research that is firmly grounded in neuroscience, providing a unique and insightful perspective on this issue.' Andrea Gaggioli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, 'This book explores some of the most important, complex, and challenging issues facing humanity today. With this comprehensive yet accessible resource, Thomas D. Parsons leads the way in developing a branch of neuroscientifically informed cyberethics to help scientists and society navigate through a rapidly growing and constantly evolving field.' Brendan Rooney, University College Dublin

Thomas D. Parsons is Director of the NetDragon Digital Research Centre and the Computational Neuropsychology and Simulation (CNS) Lab at University of North Texas (UNT). He is full Professor at UNT and a clinical neuropsychologist. In addition to his patents for eHarmony.com's Matching System, he has invented and validated several virtual environments.