NJIT prides itself on its multitude of diverse majors and programs—specifically those that may not be found elsewhere. However, what if one of these lesser-known majors was stripped of its accessibility, algorithmic, and initiative thinking? These changes may not impact well-known majors, but students working towards this degree are fighting hard to keep this track from blending into a general Psychology major.
The Cyberpsychology major is defined as an “applied psychology program that studies the interaction between people and technology and the influence of technology on human behavior.” This unique program not only sets NJIT apart from other universities but also addresses a crucial aspect of our increasingly digital society. However, why is it necessary to have a program like this one, especially in an engineering-focused environment?
Cyberpsychology doesn’t just stop at studying the interactions between technology and human behavior but also delves into the ontology behind artificial intelligence. Naketa (Keta) Williams, a third-year Cyberpsychology major and president of the Cyberpsychology Club, is a firm believer that if artificial intelligence (AI) is integrating into society, “then it needs to be considered. And it needs to be considered because if it produces any form of labor, it needs to be credited, and it needs to have rights.” Essentially, Williams is trying to redefine the Cyberpsychology major, assessing that the cognitive capabilities of the AI itself are just as important to research.
Williams has also expressed several concerns regarding her major and what she anticipates will be its future after hearing about its recent funding complications and lack of attention. There are only about 50 Cyberpsychology students, which threatens the existence of the major. But in William’s words, they are “50 brilliant minds,” who all have a “forward way of thinking,” emphasizing the degree’s significance. Despite her efforts, the department chair is hesitant about the major’s longevity and prefers to make it a more general major to attract students.
This is when Williams decided to propose a newer perspective on the program– introducing three different concentrations that would serve as the core of cyberpsychology. On the practical end, there is “machine learning,” which is the theory and algorithms behind AI. In the middle, there is “user experience” with a “digital design focus,” which concentrates on how AI systems can innovate the digital world.” At the very end, there is “AI ethics,” which is the study of ethical implications and ontology of AI. These innovative proposals bring hope and optimism for the future of the Cyberpsychology major.
This fight isn’t something Williams can encourage on her own though; she’s been taking measures to make her efforts successful. She is using the program’s small size as one of its major strengths since it allows for a more interpersonal experience for students. Additionally, she is trying to engage the major’s students to take action by hosting weekly meetings and fun, educational activities. “I like to believe I embody my major. So, I’m always excited to talk about it to anyone,” Williams says. This determination is something we should all support and be encouraged by.
One of the worries about removing the Cyberpsychology title is that it would also mean losing its uniqueness when students apply for jobs or other opportunities. Instead of promoting one’s abilities as just “psychology,” cyberpsychology is a more specific psychology concentration that would make students more marketable applicants. Cameron Malagi, a second-year Cyberpsychology major, believes that “having something that not many people heard of would be interesting since they would want to hear more about it.”
While it may not be widespread, studying Cyberpsychology now prepares the future for the importance of understanding human interaction with advanced artificial intelligence. Instead of just sticking to the literal definition placed by cyberpsychology, students and staff should begin expressing innovations that broaden the scope of the “cyber” in cyberpsychology. Students’ fates shouldn’t be decided by monetary values, but rather by their academic innovation and creativity. As William asserts, “We don’t want to be just like any other tech school. We want to be forward.”
