Care Approach to Cyberpsychology: Ethical Considerations

Keywords: Telepsychology, Ethics, Professional, Bioethics, Ethical Analysis, eHealth Strategies

Abstract

Introduction. The spread of new information and communication technologies results in cyberpsychology being proposed as the integration of new digital media into human relationships and life, also, as technological immersion in professional practices. This implies challenges in understanding the changes that technology has produced in individual and social development. The objective of this article was to propose a reflection on the ethical aspects of cyberpsychology and its practical implications, according to a care approach which integrates the wellbeing principle in a virtual environment. Topics of reflection. Firstly, the main regulations for cyberpsychology are analyzed in the framework of the ethical and bioethical principles, with emphasis on the Colombian context. Secondly, we reflect on the care approach and some considerations for digital media. Finally, some practical implications of cyberpsychology are reviewed. Conclusions. The care approach and its application to cyberpsychology is one of the ethical anchors aimed at the promotion of wellbeing-based relationships. Ethical discussions from the care approach to digital media integrate technical-professional competency with ethical competency. This implies a constant analysis of the appropriation of technologies as a meeting space and as part of the commitment to self and user care.

Author Biographies

Blanca Patricia Ballesteros-de Valderrama, Colegio Colombiano de Psicólogos, Proyecto Ética Psicológica

Psychologist, Master in Education, Master in Clinical Psychology. Colombian College of Psychologists, Psychological Ethics Project. Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

Uribe-Cerdas Uribe-Cerdas, Proyecto Ética Psicológica

Professional in Philosophy, Professional in Liberal Arts in Social Sciences, Master in Philosophy. Proyecto Ética Psicológica: Colombian College of Psychologists, Colombian Association of Psychology Faculties, Universidad del Rosario. Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

Ángela Victoria Vera-Márquez, Universidad del Rosario

Psychologist, Master in Social Development. Career Professor at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario. Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

Paulo Daniel Acero-Rodríguez, Colegio Colombiano de Psicólogos

Psychologist, Specialist in Conflict Resolution, Master in Integration of People with Disabilities. Colombian College of Psychologists. Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

William Alejandro Jiménez-Jiménez, Director Ejecutivo de Tribunales, Colegio Colombiano de Psicólogos

Psychologist, PhD Candidate in Bioethics. Universidad Militar Nueva Granada. Executive Director of Tribunals, Colombian College of Psychologists. Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

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How to Cite
1.
Ballesteros-de Valderrama BP, Uribe-Cerdas U-C, Vera-Márquez Ángela V, Acero-Rodríguez PD, Jiménez-Jiménez WA. Care Approach to Cyberpsychology: Ethical Considerations. MedUNAB [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 27 [cited 2026 Mar. 7];25(2):237-45. Available from: https://revistasunabeduco.biteca.online/index.php/medunab/article/view/4425

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2022-09-27

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