Psychology Beyond Addiction and Gaming: A 1 Day Deep Dive into Mental Health and the Ethical Impact of Generative AI and Digital Technology

Embark on a transformative journey into the intersection of psychology, technology, and mental health in this immersive one-day workshop. Led by experts in the field, this workshop will delve into the profound impact of technology on psychological well-being, exploring how smart devices, online platforms, and emerging technologies such as generative AI shape our mental health landscape. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the challenges posed by technology-driven loneliness, depression, and addiction, as well as proactive strategies for fostering digital wellness and resilience.

Deep diving into Ethics, Psychology and Impact of Digital Technology

This 1-day workshop delved into the intricate interplay between psychology, addiction, gaming, and the influence of generative AI and digital technology on mental health. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants gained insights into the psychological factors contributing to addiction, recognized the impact of digital technology on mental well-being, and developed strategies for promoting healthy digital habits.

It will deepen your understanding of psychology, addiction, gaming, and the influence of generative AI and digital technology on mental health. By unpacking these complex topics and offering practical strategies for fostering digital well-being, the workshop aimed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the evolving digital landscape mindfully.

Understanding Addiction Psychology in Gaming: 

• Gain insight into addiction psychology within the context of gaming, recognizing the role of behavioral patterns, neurotransmitters, and cognitive processes in addictive behaviors.
• Identify signs of gaming addiction and understand the psychological impact of prolonged gaming, equipping attendees to effectively address these issues.

Exploring the Impact of Generative AI and Digital Technology on Mental Health:

• Delve into how algorithms, virtual environments, and digital experiences influence cognitive processes, emotions, and overall well-being.
• Understand the benefits and risks associated with integrating AI and technology into daily life, providing valuable insights for navigating the digital landscape responsibly.

Developing Effective Strategies for Healthy Digital Habits:

• Acquire practical strategies and tools for promoting healthy digital habits and mitigating negative impacts on mental health.
• Learn about digital detox techniques, time management strategies, and mindfulness practices to foster healthier relationships with technology.

Intervention Strategies and Self-Care Practices:

• Discover evidence-based intervention strategies and self-care practices tailored to the digital age.
• Learn practical techniques for managing technology use mindfully, fostering resilience, and integrating psychological principles with technology design for enhanced well-being.

Be empowered with actionable insights to promote mental health in the digital era.

• Equipped with knowledge of intervention strategies, self-care practices, and the psychological implications of technology, attendees can make informed decisions to foster digital well-being in both personal and professional spheres.

Join us for a day of exploration, learning, and empowerment as we navigate the complex terrain of technology and mental health. Gain practical insights, connect with like-minded professionals, and embark on a journey towards digital well-being and resilience.

The workshop is designed for a diverse range of individuals interested in understanding the complex interplay between psychology, addiction, gaming, and technology. 

This workshop is perfect for:

• Mental health professionals and counselors seeking to deepen their understanding of technology's impact on psychological well-being and incorporate digital wellness into their practice.
• Technology designers, developers, and UX/UI professionals interested in creating user-centered solutions that prioritize mental health and well-being.
• Educators and researchers exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and mental health in academic and professional settings.
• Individuals concerned about their own or others' digital well-being and eager to learn practical strategies for fostering healthier relationships with technology.
• Parents and guardians concerned about the impact of gaming and digital technology on their children's mental health can benefit from attending this workshop. 
• Professionals working in the technology sector can gain insights into the impact of generative AI and digital technology on mental health by understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with their creations.
• Anyone passionate about the evolving landscape of digital mental health and interested in exploring innovative approaches to promoting well-being in the digital age.

Recent Publications 

Liu, W., & Yao, M. (2023). Gender identity and influence in human-machine communication: a mixed-methods exploration. Computers in Human Behavior, 144 107750.  

Liu, W., & Yao, M., Andrea Guzman, Rhonda McEwen, & Steve Jones (Ed.) (2023). Human-Machine Communication in Marketing and Advertising. The SAGE Handbook of Human-Machine Communication Sage.

Liu, W., & Yao, M. (2023). "Can you tell me about yourself?” The Impacts of Chatbot Names and Communication Contexts on Users’ Willingness to Self-Disclose Information in Human-Machine Conversations. Communication Research Report, Taylor & Francis, 40 (3), 122-133.  

Aboujaoude, E., Kuss, D., Yao, M., & Leung, L. (2022). Online Psychology Beyond Addiction and Gaming: A Global Look at Mental Health and Internet-Related Technologies. Frontiers Media.  

Chen, C., & Yao, M. (2022). Strategic use of immersive media and narrative message in virtual marketing: Understanding the roles of telepresence and transportation. Psychology & Marketing.

Lee, S., & Yao, M. (2021). Expressing unpopular opinion or trolling: Can dark personalities differentiate them? Telematics & Informatics.  

Hu, X., & Yao, M. (2021). Judging a book by its cover: Investigating consumer responses toward social cue in social media influencer marketing. Journal of Media Business Studies.  

Speaker: Professor Mike Yao; Director of the Institute of Communications Research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA)

• Ph.D. Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara 
• B.A. Psychology & Film Studies double majors, University of California, Santa Barbara

Professor Mike Yao is an internationally renowned speaker and research in the area of Impact of technology on communication and Yao’s research focuses on the social and psychological impacts of interactive digital media. He conducts research and writes on a variety of topics such as online behavior, digital literacy, and computer-mediated communication. 

He is also part of Media, Technology, and Social Behavior (MTSB) Research Lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to transdisciplinary explorations at the interactions of technology, society, and human communication. We study how people use and interact with new tech, how it shapes our social behaviors, and the ways we communicate in these digital spaces.

His current interest is in how users perceive and manage personal boundaries on social media. Specifically, he examines people’s attitudes, beliefs and self-protective behaviors related to online privacy from a psychosocial perspective by considering the influence of cognitive appraisal, social norm, and individual differences. A second area of Mike’s active research is the psychological impacts of digital media use. He examined the influence of various interactive media, such as video games and social media, on users’ online and offline social behavior. He is currently trying to extend this line of research to developing an integrated theory of digitally mediated human behavior.