The neuroscience and psychology of problematic social media behaviors

Speaker: Prof Ofir Turel

29th July 2021

Abstract: The use of technologies such as social media and video games has reshaped human perceptions, actions, and environments and has been associated with a myriad of benefits for individuals. Nevertheless, it started revealing several “dark sides” with adverse consequences. In this talk, Prof Ofir Turel will present findings from multiple studies conducted over the last 8 years, attempting to uncover the neural and psychological-behavioral underpinnings of problematic social media behaviors. Such problematic behaviors include excessive use (sometimes called “addiction”), and other unsafe and risky online behaviors (e.g., sexting, revealing private information online, taking selfies in dangerous places, and using social media while driving). He also discusses the emergent picture, as well as several open research questions.

Bio: Ofir Turel is Professor of Information Systems Management within the School of Computing and Information Systems at The University of Melbourne. He is also a Scholar in Residence at the Decision Neuroscience Program, University of Southern California. His research interests include a broad range of behavioral-psychological, managerial, and bio-physiological issues related to the use and management of computer information systems and technologies. He has published papers in top business outlets, as well as in leading psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience journals. Example psychiatry and neuroscience outlets include Journal of Psychiatric Research, Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience, Social Neuroscience, Behavioural Brain Research, Brain Imaging and Behavior, Neuroscience Letters, Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, Psychiatry Research, Biological Psychiatry, and Addiction Biology.

Email Website