NJIT's Julie Ancis Unveils Cyberpsychology's Impact on Modern Computing in ACM Publication
In a groundbreaking article featured in the prestigious Communications of the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM), NJIT Distinguished Professor Julie Ancis delves into the transformative role of cyberpsychology in shaping modern computing. Her research challenges the notion that understanding human behavior is optional in the digital age, emphasizing its crucial role in responsible innovation.
Ancis presents a comprehensive synthesis of decades of behavioral and computing research, offering a holistic perspective on the interplay between cyberpsychology and technology. Her article, "Cyberpsychology’s Influence on Modern Computing" (https://cacm.acm.org/research/cyberpsychologys-influence-on-modern-computing/), highlights the importance of comprehending the human mind as the missing piece in technological advancements.
The publication in Communications of the ACM, a leading computing research journal, marks a significant milestone for both NJIT and the burgeoning field of cyberpsychology. By presenting her framework to an international audience of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders, Ancis elevates the recognition of cyberpsychology as a discipline that seamlessly integrates human behavior with digital design.
As the founding director of NJIT's Cyberpsychology program, one of the few of its kind in a technological research university, particularly at the bachelor's level, Ancis explores the intricate relationship between human factors and computing. Her research spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, misinformation, virtual reality, and the evolving workplace, demonstrating how these areas are both influenced by and influence human behavior.
"Technology's effectiveness is directly tied to our understanding of the humans who create and use it," Ancis asserts. "By integrating psychological science into computing innovation, we ensure progress that is not only effective but also ethical and human-centric."
A Framework for Mutual Influence
At its core, cyberpsychology examines the reciprocal relationship between humans and technology in our increasingly digital world. Ancis defines the field as the study of how technology impacts cognition, emotion, and social behavior, and how psychological insights can, in turn, enhance our understanding of online interactions.
In her paper "The Age of Cyberpsychology: An Overview," published in the inaugural issue of the American Psychological Association's Technology, Mind, and Behavior Journal in 2020, Ancis identified five key areas where computing, technology, and psychology converge: online behavior and personality, social media and mental health, gaming and immersive environments, telepsychology, and virtual and artificial intelligence applications.
Her framework emphasizes a feedback loop where psychological research explains user behavior in digital spaces, while computing models shed light on human perception and decision-making patterns. This understanding is vital for creating technologies that align with human values rather than contradicting them.
Ancis illustrates this with the example of cybersecurity. She notes that emotions and cognitive shortcuts often override logic, leading to the "privacy paradox" where users claim to value privacy but overshare online. Even experts can fall victim to social-engineering attacks under stress or fatigue. Ancis highlights initiatives like IARPA's ReSCIND, which leverages behavioral insights to enhance threat detection and network resilience.
Addressing Online Hate and Misinformation
In the realm of social media, Ancis is investigating strategies for influencers to combat online hate. The proliferation of online communication platforms has facilitated the widespread dissemination of hate speech, normalizing prejudicial expressions. Ancis and her colleague Michael Fire from Ben-Gurion University, through the Institute for Future Technologies partnership, are analyzing influencers' content, strategies, and networks to understand their online impact.
Psychological Theory and AI, VR, and Work
Ancis also explores how psychological theory underpins advancements in artificial intelligence and virtual reality. AI systems increasingly model perception, emotion, and judgment to interact more naturally with humans. Similarly, VR designers incorporate psychological constructs like social presence, flow, and emotional engagement to create authentic digital experiences.
These concepts are translated into practical applications, from VR exposure therapy for phobias and PTSD to AI-based emotional analytics in education and healthcare. Ancis emphasizes that computational power alone is insufficient, and progress relies on the depth of human insight behind it.
This principle extends to the workplace, where automation and AI transformations demand psychological readiness alongside technical skills. Hybrid and remote work have introduced new challenges, such as constant connectivity, fragmented focus, and blurred boundaries. Emerging research aims to identify how technology can support workers in maintaining well-being and productivity.
Combating Misinformation and Ethical Systems
The article further examines how misinformation exploits human tendencies like emotional arousal and confirmation bias. Ancis introduces behavioral-science approaches, such as prebunking (exposing audiences to weakened falsehoods to build resistance) and cognitive-bias training (encouraging reflection before sharing content). Combined with algorithmic tools that mitigate impulsive reposting, these strategies can foster healthier online ecosystems.
Throughout the article, Ancis advocates for a paradigm shift that positions cyberpsychology alongside computer science, recognizing their profound interconnection in the modern world. She envisions interdisciplinary academic programs that train engineers, data scientists, and psychologists together to design systems that consider cognitive processes, motivation, empathy, and ethics from the outset.
The Future of Computing Innovation
Ancis concludes that the next generation of computing innovation will hinge on our ability to integrate psychological sciences with computational power. By embracing this synergy, we can create technologies that are not only powerful but also deeply aligned with human values and ethical considerations.
