Dr Michael Smyth

My broad research interests lie within social psychology, cyberpsychology, student’s experience at university and mental health, both quantitative and qualitive approaches.

Just to highlight, the social psychology aspects of cyberpsychology are interested in investigating the psychological phenomena which emerge from human interaction with social and digital technologies. For example, the impact of using AI, virtual reality and social media and parasocial relationships (to name but a few) on our mental health, social wellbeing and effective productivity. I am currently exploring the ways in which research literacy and study confidence in higher education can be enhanced through critical engagement with generative AI. Also, the ways in which digital technology, gamification and VR can enhance students’ learning and mental health experiences in higher education. My current pedagogical research includes exploring students’ views on assessment feedback with an aim to optimise students' development and satisfaction through meaningful feedback and feedforward comments.

Continually evolving digital technology, cyber practices, social technology culture and our relationship with GenAI output have become an integral part of contemporary living. This may affect many aspects of our personal, educational and professional lives such as our productivity, information-seeking activities, social connections, relationships, development and wellbeing. With an informed understanding of the psychological phenomena that are shaped by our interactions with emerging digital technology such as AI, we can meaningfully guide the trajectory of evolving digital culture in healthy and psychologically beneficial directions.