Sport & Health Cyberpsychology

Abstract

This chapter introduces readers to the potential impact of technology on the sporting lives and health behaviours of individuals. The first part of the chapter presents information related to athletes’ use of technology to prepare, mentally and physically, for their sport, as well as the use of technology to help athletes cope with rehabilitation from sports injuries. The use of technology to assist in the athlete-sport psychologist-consulting process is discussed, along with topical issues, such as the influence of social media (e.g. Twitter and Facebook) on individuals’ involvement in sport. The second part of the chapter addresses issues related to the impact of technology in promoting health-related behaviours online. Topics such as the sharing of health-related information online, the benefits and dangers of online support groups, and the debate surrounding the existence of the condition, cyberchondriasis, are also addressed.