I am often asked to talk about my research in AI Ethics and Cyberpsychology by those who wish to pursue a similar occupation, or are curious about our work, so let’s dive in!
Cyberpsychology and AI Ethics together cover two sides of a metaphorical neurocognitive “mirror” between humanity and our technology.
One is concerned with how the human mind responds to information ecosystems, and the other is how the information ecosystem itself behaves. Due to advances in media and Artificial Intelligence, these two are interlinked, working together in societies that are in symbiosis with technology.
“We shape our tools and thereafter they shape us.”
Marshall McLuhan
Life imitates art. As such, one should be aware of the correspondence and synchronicities between our nature, the tools we subject ourselves to, and the selective anthropological forces they unleash on society and our collective futures.
The path to becoming an AI ethics professional, consultant or architect is challenging, as it may at times require an almost transcendent perspective on the interplay between society, technology and governance. It further and naturally requires a steadfast grip on moral axioms, immunity to memetic trends, and calm fortitude in the face of chaos.
Beyond an understanding of technology development, analytics and machine learning, I personally would recommend studying philosophy, physics, cognitive science, evolutionary biology, psychology, information theory, sociology, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, business management and global governance, and striving to develop an intuitive understand of complex adaptive systems. All these subjects have in their own way guided and nurtured my perspective and understanding of the greater whole in which AI ethics and cyberpsychology fall.
Actively working on one’s personal development through studying or coaching is furthermore paramount.
Cyberpsychology and AI ethics both require abstract thinking, advanced conceptualisation skills and empathy. Being on the autism spectrum can also be an advantage. Due to the way many of us on the spectrum process information, our minds prioritise knowing over feeling, making us less likely to be emotionally reactive or subverted. While neurotypical values and beliefs tend to be socially contextual, our values tend to be internally informed, based on knowledge and experience and thus more stable amidst chaos. We are the rocks on the shore upon which waves of social waters hit.
I began my journey as an autodidact with a background in technology, a deep curiosity about the world and a focus on understanding higher order (abstract) forces at play. I spent the better part of 20 years researching the ways which information impacts complex systems, neural networks, people, societies, cultural memes, etc. An interdisciplinary mind was a great advantage to have, as it helped me both organise knowledge in general meta-patterns and cross-pollinate concepts between fields.
Irrespective of one’s background, be it in art, media, technology or psychology, I believe anyone can -with sufficient intellectual curiosity- develop a heightened awareness of how information and perceptions shape simulacra of realities at scale, with real world implications. We are all familiar with concepts such as “movie magic”, which -in the broadest sense- can be considered powerful sociological technologies, leveraging an interplay between information and the mind of the observer, with their own cognitive mirror effect, shaping subjective realities. This, both by stimulating emotions and by speaking to the subconscious mind’s meta-narrative substructure. An understanding of information theory and cognitive science can help develop a deeper appreciation of shared social and cultural dynamics.
With Artificial Intelligence, a layer is now added to the complexity to life, that is as profound as the advent of multicellular organisms in an age of single celled life. AI scales and amplifies the communication of ideas and sentiments, and with it their impact, often serving as a tool for economic and social development or governance. Given the impact of technology on thoughts, communication and behaviour, the sustainable development of civilisation requires prudent considerations and safeguards, both in the development and use of AI, and the impact of its capabilities on individuals and societies.
Those who choose to take on this journey will be challenged to raise their perspectives in profound ways.
Courses & accreditation
If you’re interested in training and certifying your knowledge in Cyberpsychology, AI Ethics or Memetics, PSYBER offers training and certification programmes, available in introductory, advanced and expert levels (L1, L2, and L3) respectively, depending on your needs.
L1 training provides an introduction, requiring minimal experience or knowledge. L2 builds on knowledge gained in L1, requiring more experience and covering some advanced concepts. L3 and certification is recommended for those who require substantial understanding, and typically covers highly specialized and advanced topics. Prerequisites for admission to courses may apply.
Memetics
Our course on Evolutionary Memetics explores the spread of cultural information, and its impact on society. Students will learn to analyse the spread of memes in different contexts, such as online communities, political campaigns, and consumer behaviour. The course will also cover strategies to mitigate the spread of harmful memes and misinformation, and the design of interventions to address the spread of false or inaccurate information. We also examine the implications of the spread of memes on political polarization, social interactions, public opinion, and decision-making. Students will also learn about fact-checking methods, and how to verify the accuracy of information using analysis, heuristics and meta-patterns.
Prerequisites: A background in information theory, physics, cognitive science, information technology or psychology is recommended for this course.
L1: Introduction to Memetics (Total of 5 x 3 hrs)
- Week 1: Introduction to Memetics
- Week 2: Memes and Communication
- Week 3: Memes and Society
- Week 4: Mitigating the Spread of Harmful Memes
- Week 5: Conclusion and Next Steps
L2: Advanced Memetics (Total of 10 x 3 hrs)
- Week 6: The Role of Social Media in Memetics
- Week 7: Memetics and Politics
- Week 8: Memetics and Consumer Behavior
- Week 9: Interventions and Governance
- Week 10: Memetics and Artificial Intelligence
L3: Expert Memetics (Total of 15 x 3 hrs) + Certification
- Week 11: Memetics and Workforce
- Week 12: Memetics and Privacy
- Week 13: Memetics and Cyberpsychology
- Week 14: Memetics and Philosophy
- Week 15: Conclusions & Certification
Cyberpsychology
Our course on Cyberpsychology explores the psychological and social implications of technology, the internet and AI based governance. Students will analyse the impact of technology on individuals and society, such as the emotional and psychological impact of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online harassment, information operations and cyber addiction. Students will also learn strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of these issues and design policies, measures and interventions to address them. Additionally, the course examines privacy and security implications of technology, the impact on decision-making processes and human rights, workforce and job displacement, and the social and psychological impact of misinformation/disinformation.
Prerequisites: A background in psychology, sociology, public policy, cognitive science or neuroscience is recommended for this course.
- L1: 5 x 3 hrs
- L1 + L2: 10 x 3 hrs
- L1 + L2 + L3: 15 x 3 hrs + Certification
AI Ethics
Our course on AI Ethics will explore the general ethical implications of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Students will learn to analyse the ethical considerations that arise from the design and use of AI systems, such as fairness, transparency, privacy and accountability. The course will also cover a number of AI governance frameworks, including PAIG (PSYBER AI Governance), strategies to mitigate the ethical and business risks of AI, and the design of policies and interventions.
Prerequisites: A background in philosophy, information technology management, enterprise architecture or board level technology experience is recommended for this course.
- L1: 10 x 3 hrs
- L1 + L2: 15 x 3 hrs
- L1 + L2 + L3: 20 x 3 hrs + Certification
For scheduling and pricing, contact us by e-mail: info@psyber.nl
