Key Developments

The British Psychological Society’s Cyberpsychology Section has opened abstract submissions for its 2026 Annual Conference, marking a significant gathering for European researchers studying digital behaviour and emerging technologies. The 6th edition, scheduled for July 6-7, 2026 at York St John University, features keynote speakers Prof. Paul Cairns from the University of York and Prof. Amy Orben from the University of Cambridge.

The conference maintains a thematically open approach, welcoming research across artificial intelligence ethics, gaming environments, social media behaviour, cybersecurity, and health applications. Submissions are due April 10, 2026, reflecting the urgency of addressing rapidly evolving digital challenges.

Industry Context

Cyberpsychology has become increasingly critical as European organisations grapple with AI regulation and digital wellbeing concerns. Recent research published in Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace highlights concerning trends in adolescent social media habits and the transition from virtual gambling to real betting behaviour.

The BPS is also launching a £6,000 grant scheme for small research projects, while the Cyberpsychology Section offers £500 grants specifically for early career researchers and PhD students, indicating growing institutional support for this field.

Practical Implications

For Irish and European tech builders, this research convergence offers valuable insights into user behaviour patterns and ethical considerations for product development. Dr Lisa Orchard from the University of Wolverhampton emphasises the need for cyberpsychologists to “question everything” and “think outside the box” - advice equally relevant for developers designing user-centric technologies.

The focus on prosocial and antisocial online behaviours, ChatGPT investigations, and social media influencer impacts provides practical frameworks for understanding user engagement and potential risks.

Open Questions

Key uncertainties remain around how emerging AI technologies will reshape digital behaviour patterns and what regulatory responses may follow from EU policymakers. The conference’s emphasis on ethics and privacy suggests ongoing debates about balancing innovation with user protection, particularly relevant as Ireland continues developing its role as a European tech hub.

Source: British Psychological Society