SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, and the INTERNET

Michael Fenichel, Ph.D.

As someone very much involved with "Current Topics in Psychology", I have observed that two topics in particular generate the greatest amount of interest--some say, "controversy". These are Managed Health Care, which affects virtually all of us with human bodies to manage, and The Internet, fast becoming THE reality of "daily life in the next century". In that context, I present here, two very diverse perspectives on things, in two totally different contexts which highlight in equally vivid ways, the "bumps in the road" we face worldwide as we cross that well-known bridge into the 21st century.

The first article is from the Netherlands, and should appeal to many psych-surfers. This is a fine snapshot of a socio-technological revolution in the making, a report on a Dutch community where the Internet is already the daily way of life, by decree. There is also some interesting commentary on gender differences in taking to the computer, and the behavior of Dutch men. I think this will be of interest to those with a bent for Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, or Social Psychology. Perhaps a glimpse of the future. Or perhaps that future is already here?

"No agoraphobia in Amsterdam Digital City" - An Interview with Marleen Stikker
From the daily paper 'Trouw' (Amsterdam), January 7, 1995

A second look at technology and society comes from the United States.

This article is primarily intended for psychologists or those interested in how mental health care is delivered under "Managed Care".

This article comes courtesy of the psychology listserv PSY USA, which provided the transcript of an interview with Nicholas Cummings.The former APA President, now argues vociferously for technologically-based, non-doctoral, Managed Mental Health Care. He shares some strong views on professional organizations and calls for the "industrialization" of Psychology.

Managed Care and the Future of Psychology - An in-depth interview with Dr. Nicholas Cummings

Dr. Cummings is past-president of the American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology (AAAPP), under whose auspices this interview was given.

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