Technology and Psychological Well-being

This book considers the impact of technology on our lives and ways to ensure technology enhances, rather than damages, our psychological well-being.

Yair Amichai-Hamburger (Edited by)

9781107402287, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 July 2011

302 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.45 kg

Review of the hardback: 'Talk of information overload, Internet addiction, and work-life imbalance conveys a common fear of our well-being getting lost in the pursuit of technological gadgets and lifestyles. This book throws a critical, academic light on the countervailing role that new information and communication technologies can play in shaping the quality - social and psychological - of our everyday life and work. An excellent contribution to our understanding of technology and society.' William H. Dutton, University of Oxford

In the modern world we are surrounded by technology. Gadgets such as cell phones, portable computers, and electronic diaries accompany us throughout the day. But is this a good thing? Are we being served by these technological wonders, or have we become enslaved by them? Does constant availability via technology make us more efficient or more stressed? Is our ability to connect with others all over the world, day or night, making us more sociable or turning us into recluses in a virtual world? This book considers the impact of technology on the different spheres of our life - work, home, family and leisure - and assesses ways in which to build better communication between technology developers and society to ensure that technology enhances our lives and psychological well-being, rather than damaging them.

1. Communication technology and psychological well-being: Yin, Yang, and the golden mean of media effects George Rodman and Katherine G. Fry
2. Internet and well-being Yair Amichai-Hamburger and Azy Barak
3. Information, innovation, and society Steven L. Goldman
4. Work-related technological change and psychological well-being Michael P. O'Driscoll, Caroline Biron, and Cary L. Cooper
5. From ergonomics to hedonomics: trends in human factors and technology Tal Oron-Gilad and Peter A. Hancock
6. 'Good teleworking': under what conditions does teleworking enhance employees' well-being? Ellen Ernst Kossek, Brenda A. Lautsch, and Susan C. Eaton
7. Commuting and well-being Raymond W. Novaco and Oscar I. Gonzalez
8. Technology and medicine Jeffrey W. Jutai, Sherry Coulson, and Elizabeth Russell-Minda
9. Mothers of invention? The myth-breaking history and planetary promise of women's key roles in subsistence technology Rae Lesser Blumberg
10. Technology and well-being: designing the future Yair Amichai-Hamburger.

Subject Areas: Health psychology [MBNH9], Educational psychology [JNC], The self, ego, identity, personality [JMS], Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Psychology [JM]