Changes in our society, including technological changes, will force us to rethink how we approach ethical issues in psychology. One such area includes competency in the use of technology, as there are increasing patterns of delivering counseling services through electronic means. This will also create new ethical challenges and dilemmas as we consider our obligations to factors such as confidentiality. Such changes will also bring about the ability to help more people than ever before and allow our professional skills to affect change in previously untouched domains. It leads mental health professionals to embrace new challenges associated with new delivery methods and, in turn, encourages them to find new and innovative solutions in their work as professionals. However, professionals must remain committed to acting ethically and be aware of the ethical issues that may arise due to changes in their profession.
TopHumankind In The 21St Century
The 20th Century marked a period of reason which led to remarkable scientific advancements. However, the turn of the 21st Century, particularly between 1991 and 2005, witnessed a revolution in internet usage and networking. This era saw the internet being utilized for various activities such as writing, chatting, job searching, watching movies and music videos, listening to music, browsing websites, and social media. The 21st Century has seen a rapid growth of technologies based on the exchange of information. The internet has evolved from a simple communication tool between people to a platform now accessible through various devices.
In the 21st Century, society has entered a new phase of growth called the information age. Every aspect of our lives is becoming more reliant on the free flow of information. The demand for information constantly expands due to advances in science, technology, and human knowledge. The complexity of our world and the unique nature of human life help explain this trend.
In the last two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of leading tech companies such as Google (1998), Facebook (2004), Twitter (2006), and Instagram (2010). These companies and numerous individuals globally have played a significant role in driving digital breakthroughs and advancements. The turn of the 20th and 21st centuries saw a surge in electronics and information technology, leading to an overwhelming increase in the intensity of information flow. Information technology continues to develop in the 21st Century, presenting techniques for processing, collecting, storing, sending, and receiving information that facilitates interpersonal contact from the comfort of one's home (Grinin et al., 2022).
With the growing use of technology and computing, more and more people worldwide now have access to the various opportunities provided by telephones, personal computers, and the internet. As per Maire et al. (2017), the top skills required for success in the 21st Century are critical thinking, creativity, metacognition, problem-solving, cooperation, motivation, self-efficiency, self-awareness, and perseverance.
The internet has now become a part of modern people's daily routines, accompanying them from dawn to dusk and sometimes even longer. More and more everyday activities are moving from the real world to the virtual one. The internet offers unlimited personal development opportunities, including work, hobbies, entertainment, education, shopping, consultations, acquiring knowledge, seeking opinions, socializing, or making new friends.