South African psychologists’ use of the Internet in their practices

Abstract

This study investigated how South African psychologists use online technologies in their professional practices. A total of 92 South African psychologists responded to an online survey which explored how they use the Internet to access psychological information, communicate, foster professional development, and advertise their services. Therapeutic applications of the Internet were also explored. The results indicated that there is a widespread interest in, and use of Internet technology by psychologists in South Africa to access psychological information, foster professional development, administer their practices, and advertise their services. However, psychologists seem to be far more guarded about using Internet technologies for therapeutic purposes. These concerns include the threats to client confidentiality and therapeutic boundaries posed by online communication, and the possible violation of personal privacy by social networking services.