Experiments of the Mind

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An inside view of the experimental practices of cognitive psychology reveals their significant influence on the addictive nature of social media. Experimental cognitive psychology research subtly impacts our online interactions, from downloading health apps to engaging with social media quizzes. This exploration delves into how psychological research methods evolved and permeated our digital landscape. Emily Martin shares her experiences in psychology labs, presenting insights through the voices of principal investigators, graduate students, and subjects. Contrary to the belief that experimental psychology focuses solely on isolated individuals, Martin uncovers a history that emphasizes social dynamics, tracing the evolution from early German labs to Gestalt psychology. She illustrates how these methods, combined with vast data and advanced machine learning, have created a pervasive model of human psychology. This model utilizes statistical measures and algorithms to predict and influence user behavior. The work highlights the profound ways psychology research has adapted to and shaped our interactions in the networked age, revealing the intricate connections between cognitive psychology and our digital experiences.