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The School of Psychology (SoP) and the School of Technology (SoT) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), recently organised a guest lecture titled “Cyberpsychological Principles of Emerging Technology,” featuring Prof Andrew J Campbell, Chair and Head of the Cyberpsychology Research Group at the University of Sydney (USYD), and Dr Emma van der Schyff, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab at USYD.

Coordinated by Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, SoP at APU), Mr Mohamad Hilmi Mhd Najri (Lecturer, SoP at APU), and Mr Mohd Hanis Jenalis (Senior Lecturer, SoT at APU), the guest lecture brought together students to explore the evolving relationship between human behaviour and emerging technologies.

Understanding Human Behaviour in the Digital Age

Throughout the session, Prof Andrew and Dr Emma explored contemporary developments in cyberpsychology, examining how digital technologies influence online behaviour, identity formation, social interaction, and psychological wellbeing.

Prof Andrew discussed how algorithm-driven digital environments shape human behaviour, social cognition, and emotional regulation, while Dr Emma shared insights into digital mental health interventions and the psychological implications of prolonged technology use, particularly among younger generations.

The session encouraged students to critically examine both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of applying psychological principles to better understand human experiences in increasingly connected digital environments.

An engaging Q&A segment further enriched the experience, allowing students to interact directly with Prof Andrew and Dr Emma, and deepen their understanding of how cyberpsychology informs both psychological practice and cybersecurity in addressing real-world digital challenges.

The discussions also reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration by demonstrating how psychology and technology can work together to support safer digital environments, improve mental wellbeing, and guide the responsible development of emerging technologies.

Student Perspectives

1. Sasha Shankar: “I truly enjoyed the guest lecture, as it provided valuable insights into the impact of technology on mental health, while enhancing my understanding of the challenges associated with the increasing use of digital technologies.”
2. Judeana Emmanuelle KC Sathasivam: “I found the guest lecture insightful, as it offered meaningful perspectives that deepened my understanding of both current developments and future directions in cyberpsychology research.”
3. Sam Jun Hong: “The guest lecture was highly engaging, offering valuable insights into the intersection of psychology, cybersecurity, and social media, while also helping to deepen understanding of how these fields collectively shape human behaviour in today’s digital age.”
4. Youssef Mostafa Mahmoud Abbas Abdelrassol: “The guest lecture was highly insightful, helping me better understand how the internet influences human behaviour through anonymity and reduced social inhibition, while also highlighting both the negative outcomes such as cyberbullying and the positive aspects such as supportive online communities.”
    

Strengthening Global Collaboration in Cyberpsychology Education

Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU) highlighted that bringing internationally recognised psychology experts to campus offers students valuable opportunities to engage with emerging developments in cyberpsychology, while enhancing their understanding of the relationship between psychology and technology.

“This initiative reflects APU’s growing role as a hub for cyberpsychology excellence, preparing students to lead and innovate in the digital age.”