Our Society Leadership

AI is transforming how people experience the world — and how clinicians understand and treat the human mind. This committee examines the psychological impacts of AI and emerging technologies, promotes evidence-based applications in clinical care, and develops practical resources for clinicians, families, and the public. As Division 46’s central hub for AI expertise, the committee also fosters cross-divisional collaboration and serves as a trusted resource for journalists and policymakers navigating the intersection of AI and human behavior.

The Awards Committee coordinates all aspects of Division 46’s awards program, from issuing the annual call for nominations to reviewing candidates and overseeing the presentation of awards. Chaired by the Past-President, the committee ensures a fair, transparent, and inclusive process that celebrates the outstanding contributions of members to the field of media psychology and technology.

The Bylaws Committee ensures that Division 46’s governing documents remain current, accurate, and aligned with both division policies and APA requirements. Led by ex-Presidents of the Society, the committee monitors policy developments, recommends revisions as needed, and engages the membership when substantive changes are proposed — safeguarding the integrity and continuity of the division’s governance.

The Communications and Marketing Committee shapes how Division 46 shows up in the world. Through social media, digital platforms, and strategic outreach, the committee builds awareness of the division’s work, amplifies member accomplishments, and connects the broader public with the science of media psychology and technology. The committee also works to grow division membership by communicating the value of belonging to a community at the forefront of one of psychology’s most dynamic and consequential fields.

Digital tools are an essential part of modern life — and their harms deserve a thoughtful, evidence-based response. This committee advances a harm reduction approach to technology use, developing practical strategies that help individuals, families, organizations, and communities engage with technology in ways that align with their values and well-being. Rather than advocating abstinence, the committee bridges research and practice to address problematic use compassionately and effectively. Through APA programming, publications, coalition-building, and public education, the committee positions Division 46 as a leading psychological authority on digital harm reduction.

The Editorial Policies and Guidelines Committee establishes, codifies, and implements Division 46’s policies and guidelines for all Society-sponsored media and editorial matters. The committee serves as an advisor to the Amplifier Editor, Website Administrator, and Listserv Administrator, and works closely with the Board to ensure that the division’s communications reflect consistent, high-quality editorial standards.

The Ethics Committee supports psychologists in navigating the ethical dimensions of media work and technology use. Through educational materials, APA convention programming, and direct guidance, the committee helps members and students understand how to engage with all forms of media in a responsible, professional manner — and responds to inquiries about ethical questions in media psychology.

The Fellows Committee oversees Division 46’s fellowship recognition process, soliciting nominations, evaluating candidates against APA Fellows criteria, and recommending qualified individuals to the Board for approval. The committee ensures that the division’s most distinguished members receive the recognition they have earned, and that the fellowship process is rigorous, transparent, and fairly administered.

The Finance Committee supports the financial health and sustainability of Division 46, working alongside the Treasurer to prepare the annual budget, monitor reserve fund investments, and advise the Board on matters of income, disbursements, and financial planning. The committee ensures that the division’s resources are managed responsibly in service of its mission and members.

The Listserv Committee oversees Division 46’s member listserv, ensuring that communications remain consistent with the guidelines of both APA and the Society. The committee helps maintain a professional, respectful, and productive space for member dialogue and information sharing.

The Media Watch Committee monitors how mental health professionals are portrayed across television, film, electronic media, and books. The committee tracks trends in media representation, advocates for accurate and responsible depictions of psychological practice, and nominates candidates for the Shirley Glass Golden Psi Award, which recognizes exemplary portrayals in the media.

The Membership Committee drives the growth and vitality of Division 46 by developing strategies to attract new members and retain current ones. The committee oversees membership materials and procedures, works closely with APA Division Services, and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive membership that reflects the full breadth of the field. If you are interested in joining Division 46, this committee is your first point of welcome.

The National Convention Committee leads Division 46’s presence at the Annual APA Convention, organizing the division’s program and social hour to create meaningful opportunities for connection, collaboration, and intellectual exchange. The committee ensures that Division 46’s convention programming reflects the vitality of the field and offers members an engaging forum to share research, practice, and ideas.

The News Media, Public Education, and Public Policy Committee promotes excellence in the communication of psychological research and information through the news media, with a particular focus on social issues. The committee administers the News Media Recognition Award, honoring outstanding journalism in the reporting of psychological science, and works to ensure that accurate, evidence-based psychological knowledge reaches the public.

The Newsletter and Website Committee keeps Division 46 members informed and connected through the division’s print and digital communications. From the member newsletter to the division website, the committee ensures that timely, accurate, and engaging information reaches the membership and reflects the division’s work and mission.

The Nominations and Elections Committee oversees all Division 46 elections, from issuing the call for nominations to notifying members of results. Chaired by the President-Elect, the committee is committed to recruiting a diverse slate of candidates and ensuring a transparent, timely, and fair electoral process that reflects the full breadth of the division’s membership.

The Programming Committee brings Division 46’s mission to life through a year-round calendar of webinars, events, and professional development opportunities. The committee curates engaging, relevant programming that connects members with cutting-edge research and practice at the intersection of media, technology, and psychology.

The Publications Committee oversees Division 46’s scholarly and professional publications, including journals, newsletters, and books. The committee ensures that the division’s publishing efforts reflect the highest standards of quality and serve the needs of members and the broader field of media psychology and technology.

The Division Revenue Committee identifies and pursues opportunities to strengthen Division 46’s financial foundation. By exploring diverse and sustainable revenue streams, the committee helps ensure that the division has the resources needed to support its programming, publications, and membership initiatives well into the future.

The Scholarship Committee manages Division 46’s scholarship program, overseeing the application process and selecting recipients. The committee supports the development of emerging scholars and practitioners in the field of media psychology and technology by investing in the next generation of the division’s membership.

The Strategic Planning Committee charts the long-term direction of Division 46, working to clarify the Society’s vision and mission with a five-year horizon. Through annual reports and targeted recommendations to the Board, the committee ensures that the division remains focused, adaptive, and well-positioned to lead at the intersection of psychology, media, and technology.

The Student Committee champions the interests of student members within Division 46, providing input on student-related matters and serving as the division’s official liaison to the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS). Through its connection to the APAGS Student Representative Network, the committee ensures that the next generation of media and technology psychologists has a voice in shaping the field.

The Telehealth and New Technologies Committee keeps Division 46 members and the broader psychological community informed about the rapidly evolving landscape of telehealth and emerging technologies. From robotics and interactive modalities to new developments at the intersection of technology and human behavior, the committee provides education and guidance on how these innovations are reshaping psychological practice and media.