Social Psychology Relates to People
Want to learn why we think and relate to other people as we do? Read all about social psychology.
By Jennifer Wegerer
Relationships bloom, or not, from how we connect with other people.
What plays out in our interactions provides clues as to how we think about other people and how we relate to them in the ways we do. Social psychology studies these clues, focusing on attitudes, interpersonal behaviors, social influence and other aspects that surround our relationships, from prejudices to altruism.
As a discipline, social psychology has taken on a new level of importance in our technologically advanced—and somewhat addicted—society. The ways in which we interact with each other has changed dramatically with the arrival of the Internet, cell phone, iPad, and countless social networking sites.
Social Psychology Meets Technology
In today's world, we have a multitude of opportunities to avoid face-to-face communication. Turn on your iPod when you walk down the street, and tune others out. Text message friends while you wait in line at the coffee shop, or email your boss instead of calling to say you will be late. You never have to visit a bank, library or even a grocery store in person, if you are so inclined.
At the same time, we have the tools to socialize ourselves to a point of breathlessness—or carpal tunnel—without ever speaking a word. Facebook friends can tell each other the minute details about a trip to the bus stop, and Twitter members deliver synaptic shots of data and opinion on any and all topics.
Clearly, social psychology has entered a new and intriguing age where people have significant control over how much they really have to communicate in person. This makes the study of social psychology one of the most dynamic areas of psychology today, providing new facets to study and gain greater insight into how people relate.
Social Psychology Education
If social psychology interests you, you have many education and career options, including working in the following areas:
- Research
- Academia
- Private practice
- The corporate world
- Non-profit agencies
In general, the best career opportunities in social psychology are available to those who hold a doctorate degree in the field. Depending on the employer, however, a master's degree may suffice for some jobs.
According to the Social Psychology Network, in the United States, master's degrees are much less common than PhD's in the social psychology profession. Therefore, most students who know they want to build careers in social psychology go directly from a bachelor's to a doctorate program. Students unsure about where they want to take their social psychology education might consider a master's program to get additional training or simply make sure this is the right career path for them.
Your Future in Social Psychology
Social psychology stands on the cusp of an exciting new era in communication, making it as relevant to our society today as it has ever been. As the ways in which we receive and relate to each other continue to ride a pendulum where our opinions and patience with ever-evolving cultural norms waver persistently, social psychologists will always remain in high demand.