109th APA CONVENTION: San Francisco
Monday, August 27, 2001, 11:00AM-12:50PM

2001: A Cyberspace Odyssey
Integrating the Internet into our 21st Century Lives.

Internet-facilitated communication is undeniably changing our way of life and becoming integrated into the daily lives of psychologists and their clients (and students). This symposium will feature a virtual tour through Cyberspace, and provide an in-depth look at Internet behavior. Panelists will present ongoing projects, and:

Focusing on the use and potential of the Internet, this special presentation was originally conceived of as being part of an APA Mini-Convention on Integrating the Internet: Media, Practice, and Academic Implications. Topics will include clinical use of cutting-edge technology, the ethics and practice of online mental health services, and a look at online behavior.

Introduction

I. CLINICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND SOCIETAL TRENDS: INTEGRATING PSYCHOLOGY ONLINE
Michael Fenichel, Ph.D., President, International Society for Mental Health Online
Dr. Fenichel will present a brief overview of Internet use and online mental health services, followed by an illustrative Cyberspace tour. The segment will provide an introduction to clinical, dynamic, and ethical issues which are unique to online clinical practice, and a brief discussion of ISMHO's evolution.
(20-25 minutes)

II. FRIENDS AND LOVERS: CONNECTING PAST AND PRESENT VIA THE INTERNET
Nancy Kalish, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Author "Lost & Found Lovers"
Dr. Kalish will provide a look at how teens and adults are integrating the Internet into daily life, from online romance to educational research to basic communication. Drawing from experiences with an online teen advice site and a message board dedicated to adults seeking their high school sweethearts, a fascinating look at romance and technology in the new millennium.
(20-25 minutes)

III. VARIETIES OF ONLINE EXPERIENCE: CLINICAL WORK IN CYBERSPACE
John Suler, Ph.D., Professor, media consultant, author "Psychology of Cyberspace"
Dr. Suler will discuss the format and findings of an online research group that uses case studies to explore the theory and technique of clinical work in cyberspace. Topics will include the therapeutic impact of text communication, absent face-to-face cues, saved messages, synchronous versus asynchronous communication, and online identity management and lifestyle. Dr. Suler will propose an overarching clinical theory that emphasizes the combining, sequencing, and integrating of communication channels.
(25 minutes)

IV. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY AND INTERNET PRACTICE: WHERE DO WE STAND?
David Nickelson, Psy.D.,J.D. APA Practice Directorate
Dr. Nickelson is the Director of Technology Policy and Projects for the American Psychological Association. He will provide a close-up look at APA's considerations and implementation of policy regarding psychology online in the 21st century.
(25 minutes)

V. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - from discussant, and/or between panelists
(10-15 mins)

VI. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS AND PANEL RESPONSES
(10-15 mins)

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