Emerging technologies are progressively affecting the way we relate, connect, learn, and work. In this course you will study psychological processes associated with the use of digital technologies, to help understand how technology affects us, and to enhance interactions between humans and technologies. We will discuss research in relation to the use and design of a range of applications and devices, for instance, cell phones, social media, video games, and the Internet. The course will include topics such as the relation between cognitive processes and emotions, social identity and group behavior, and interpersonal relationships. The course will mainly draw on theories from cognitive and social psychology, and will involve critical analysis and understanding of these theories in light of our digital world.

Learning goals:

• apply cognitive and social psychology theories to HCI problems, such as those regarding memory, attention, cognitive processing and cognitive load, human decision making, emotions, engagement and motivation, social identity, relationships, and group dynamics;
• evaluate applications in respect to cognitive and social psychology theories;
• critically review research in human-robot interaction, affective computing, and games in terms of these theories.