Cyberpsychology: what online behaviour reveals about us

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

In this experience, Professor Linda Kaye explores the world of behaviour in an online world. In episode one, you will explore cyberpsychology and understand the study of how digital technology and the internet shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. You will see how it applies to everyday life through examples like social media, gaming, and online therapy. You will also learn why cyberpsychology matters for politics, business, and careers, and how studying it at university can open up opportunities in areas such as digital wellbeing, user experience, and online safety. In the second episode, you will unpack what “behaviour” means in a digitally-connected world. You’ll learn three distinctions of behaviours, and see how everyday actions can gain a digital layer through tracking or sharing. You’ll also explore why the online and offline divide is blurry and how our “environment” now includes both physical and digital spaces. In episode three, you’ll learn about digital footprints, and how the data you contribute (whether actively or passively) forms a part of a digital profile which can be used by cyberpsychologists to study your behaviour. You’ll also learn about a real-world scenario in which a digital footprint can be used positively and a scenario which uses it negatively. In the final episode, you’ll learn about emojis and how they can be used as a representation of emotion or behaviour in an online world. You’ll explore how cyberpsychologists can interpret emojis and their different meanings, before undertaking an activity that sees you analysing a conversation and interpreting how each person uses emojis.

Take Subject Spotlight

About Edge Hill University

At Edge Hill University, we’ve been inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885. Whatever you study, we invest in your future and provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Located in Lancashire, close to Liverpool and Manchester, we’ve created a diverse environment where our students can live, learn, and belong. Lecture halls are equipped with everything you need, and our high-quality teaching brings subjects to life. If you're moving away for the first time, our on-campus accommodation provides a home away from home within easy reach of study and social spaces - ranked 1st in the UK by students (Uni Compare, 2025).

Meet the academics

Professor Linda Kaye

Linda a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and founding member of the BPS Cyberpsychology Section. Linda’s expertise is in the exciting area of cyberpsychology which largely refers to the psychology of online behaviour. Linda a reputable thought-leader in cyberpsychology and is regularly invited as an expert commentator on topics such as social media behaviour, and the psychology of online behaviour. Linda has an extensive publication record in which she has authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers, and multiple books on topics in cyberpsychology. She regularly engages in various types of external engagement activities to promote the field of cyberpsychology to the general public, the media and businesses. All this is underpinned by her ambition to broaden the awareness of cyberpsychology and its value in advancing our understanding of the digitally-connected human experience.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Other Subject Spotlights for Edge Hill University

Social Change and the Power of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!