Technology is everywhere and has become a main part of everyday life. And for the most part, it is a wonderful advancement and tool for society; yet, there is a growing concern about its impact on us, our relationships and behavior.

This page is dedicated to providing information that will help you understand the impact technology can have so that you and your family can use technology in a psychologically smart way.

I encourage everyone to look at technology and how it shapes behavior and impacts us. We need to understand how to use technology in a good way, know the pros and cons and learn the importance of boundaries with certain types of technology (e.g., social media such as Facebook, MySpace, etc.).

My hope is to provide a resource that continues to update with each OPA President so that you may continue to use Psychologically Smart Technology.

-Craig S. Travis, Ph.D., OPA Past-President

Internet Usage Resources:
Cyberbulling causes more depression, study finds, Reuters
Excessive Internet use is linked to depression, ScienceDaily
More colleges, professors shutting down laptops and other digital distractions, The Washington Post
Telephone Therapy for Depression? Study says Yes, ScienceDaily
Psychologists’ Attitudes and Ethical Concerns Regarding the Use of Social Networking Web Sites , Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
Psychotherapy, Professional Relationships, and Ethical Considerations in the MySpace Generation, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
Ditching the Cell Phone Can be a Powerful Move, from MSNBC.com
Using Facebook Can Lower Exam Results by 20%, from EducationNews.org

Relationship Resources:
Ending an epidemic :Millions of teens are in abusive relationships, and parents are often the last to know, APA Monitor

Distracted Driving/Cell Phone Distraction:
Distracted Driving Fact Sheet
Don't Answer the (Cell) Phone, by Dr. Craig Travis and Dr. Fiona Travis, from the Ohio Psychologist
Hilliard Against Distracted Driving (HADD): Steering clear of distractions is the safest bet, from Hilliard Northwest News
Key Research on Driving with Cell Phones
Mobile Therapy: Case Study Evaluations of a Cell Phone Application for Emotional Self-Awareness, Journal of Medical Internet Research
Real Life Videos of Minor Accidents
Psychologist Uses Driving Simulator to Test the Dangers of Distraction

Video Games:
Research on play violent/anti-violent games, APA Monitor In Brief

Bullying:
Stop Bullying Now! Resources for Parents