If time and money and resources were no object, the area that I would explore as the next great field for psychology would be the area of man-machine interface. Science is making great progress in such areas as implanting technology that allows people to use thought to move paralyzed body parts, or thought to move artificial arms and hands. There is talk about brain implants containing such documents as the Library of Congress which people can easily access with a simple thought. There are even speculations about an Internet chip allowing the brain instant access to online information!
Indeed, as noted by Gillett (2006), breakthroughs in neuroscience and medical technology are increasingly allowing for the use of technology (both external and implantable) to interface with human beings. The 21st century can be expected to see this interface much more often including at least some situations where human beings will be so integrated with machine technology that they will actually be cyborgistic.
It seems reasonable to state that psychologists must and will be involved in all such efforts. There will be roles for psychologists in terms of developing these interface capacities in a way that is helpful and not harmful to humans. In addition, psychologists will also be needed to help people come to terms with any attendant identity changes and the emotional consequences. Thus, human-machine interface will be the next important and great field or area for psychology to explore.
Gillet, G. (2006). Cyborgs and moral identity. Journal of Medical Ethics, 32(2), 63.64.
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