Psychology of the Digital Media

Digital evolution or revolution, whichever it is, is currently flying at an incredible pace. The COVID-19 pandemic even amplified this process, and its effects can immensely be felt everywhere. Digital natives or digital immigrants, this tremendous innovation is leaving nobody behind. Living in the digital era might not be that much of a problem for millennials, but how about other age groups? How can we adapt, how can we survive, how can we evolve simultaneously with the ever-growing technology? As we roll into this digital technologized future there will be a cry-out for transformation of our cognition and behaviour. Are we ready for this, are we ready for the digital take-over in the world? Societies are already embracing this digital revolution with sometimes unbelievable momentum. Engaging in new digitally driven behaviour is not an option anymore but a must. With our smartphones within armlength reach of us, technology is not following us, it is continuously ahead of us. Over and over dictating our strength, our health, our movements, our thoughts, our behaviour.

The internet is everywhere, spiraling up on the list of necessities of life. It is not strange that if the internet is nowhere to be found, it looks like the end of life. As media is speeding from printed and (analog) broadcasting to the digital environment, we need to hurry or stay behind. Nothing comes with no price, also this transition comes with a cost.

I too was faced with digital challenges. In my endeavor to find tools for myself and for the society around me, I came across this Master study at Erasmus University Rotterdam. During this study, maybe not all above questions were answered, but sure tools were passed on. Hence, survival in this digital jungle can be achieved. The Master of Psychology in the Digital Media study facilitated steady growth of us as students, gave us insights in the unclear and opened our minds to the new environment this digital explosion brings us. With the knowledge I gained during the study, I am convinced that I can optimize people’s wellbeing during this demanding digital era.