AI platforms are becoming rapidly more accessible and incredibly efficient, as such, we are beginning to rely on AI to help us make daily decisions, making it increasingly easy not to have to make decisions for ourselves.

Although we can clearly see the positive opportunity AI is having, are we likely to see a shift in people’s confidence in making decisions for themselves.

Tasks that we would normally do ourselves, are being actioned quicker and with less mental strain. We feel excited about this, we can feel the adrenaline rush; we can see a positive shift in productivity but is it stopping us from thinking for ourselves.

Businesses are using AI to support decision making, systems with AI integration are helping us make better decisions based on data. Although we understand the benefits of this, we are becoming reliant on AI to make decisions for us, we are losing the ability to make independent decisions or critically evaluate situations without technological input.

Reference:

Psychology of AI: How AI impacts the way people feel, think, and behave.

Science Direct - Current Opinion in Psychology, Volume 58, August 2024, 101835.

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2024, September 25). Dementia - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

National Institute on Aging. (2024, July 11). Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected 

This article highlights the challenges psychologists face, the commitment needed but also the need for psychologists to self reflect for their own well being moving forward.

I believe in the current climate, moving forward the need for psychological services is only going to increase. As a result, psychologists need to work smarter to ensure their career is sustainable and the treatment/support clients need is of a high and effective standard.

References:

Australian Psychological Society (2023, January 21).

Dread, exhaustion and rising helplessness: inside the burnout among Australia’s psychologists.

https://psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/aps-in-the-media/2023/dread-exhaustion-and-rising-helplessness-inside-t

“Listening to shared life events can unsettle dominant ideologies and raise awareness of shared vulnerabilities and a common humanity (Bartelds et al., Citation2023; Loughhead et al., Citation2023; Parsell et al., Citation2024; Roennfeldt et al., Citation2024).”[1]

It is of course recognized that we all have our own lived experience, but Peer Support Work places an emphasis on the intentional use of lived experience within in a clinical setting. It is in fact stated ‘as an expectation within contemporary mental health policy’[2] that service users be included in the framework for mental health service delivery.

There are ongoing persistent challenges being faced regarding the smooth and effective integration of lived experience workers into the mental healthcare system. There are however some “recommendations for areas of learning and unlearning ingrained bias and assumptions which may be detrimental to integration of lived experience workforces and hinder movement toward greater adoption of recovery-orientated service delivery.”[3]

The role of allyship within the development and integration of the lived experience workforce is critical, who are needed to support and hold space. Particularly, leaders acting as allies to peer workers and the ongoing integration of their profession into the mental healthcare space is pivotal; leaders act at the level of funding and resource allocation. They also have the power to create roles and adjust hierarchies. There are various areas where service providers and participants at all levels need to learn and unlearn certain ideas and preconceptions. And allies who are genuine have key responsibilities if their allyship is to be genuine. Unlearning and relearning can be an extremely uncomfortable process but is essential if the lived experience workforce is going to be successfully integrated into the current framework.

At the level of organizational policy, allyship is also crucial: pushing for much needed structural change.

The lived experience workforce faces significant challenges in integrating into the current framework, from stigmas and biases, to insufficient support at various levels. It is extremely important that allyship increases on those various levels to reform policy and existing frameworks. Adequate support for people wishing to champion the cause is a necessity.

References:

[1] Gair, S. (2025). Honouring the Legitimacy and Power of Shared Lived Experience in Social Work. Australian Social Work, 78(2), pp.129–132. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407x.2025.2463136.

[2] Reeves, V., Loughhead, M., Teague, C., Matthew Anthony Halpin and Procter, N. (2024). Lived experience allyship in mental health services: Recommendations for improved uptake of allyship roles in support of peer workforces. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 33(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13322.

[3] Reeves, V., Loughhead, M., Teague, C., Matthew Anthony Halpin and Procter, N. (2024). Lived experience allyship in mental health services: Recommendations for improved uptake of allyship roles in support of peer workforces. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 33(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13322.

The scope of practice proposed by the registration scheme is very broad, leaving community service workers who have not completed a social work degree, concerned they will not be able to work past July 2025.

With the Department for Child Protection already under staffed and struggling to find workers, this scheme will place further strain on the Department and it's supporting agencies potentially placing children's live s at risk.

References:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-07/concerns-social-workers-quit-under-sa-registration-scheme/105017230

https://gcyp.sa.gov.au/2024/10/10/new-scheme-for-social-work-registration-the-guardians-call-for-a-careful-and-considered-approach/

With the government's future commitment to disadvantaged groups you can expect an improvement in criminal activity. The government have plans to improve the safety and security of women, invest in services and payments for parents, increase affordable housing and better the quality of life for First Nations Australians (The Treasury, 2023, p. xvii). Improving social conditions and services is likely to have an impact on lowering crime rate.

The information in this article suggests that 90 % of adolescents use social media. It has become a factor in development and is integrated into daily life. From a clinical perspective, psychologists will need to consider the impact this has going forward on the development of adolescent brains, and also the impact on the social landscape. This article suggests that while there is some research into the impact of social media on psychological welfare, it can be contradictory, and there is not sufficient research to conclusively inform psychological practice. Psychologists will need to conder the role of social media in patients' lives, both as positive in regard to social connectedness, and the potential for negative psychological outcomes due to social comparison.

The Pilot Magistrates Court Program aims to provide a significant diversion of mentally ill offenders away from potential incarceration or direct involvement with the South Australian criminal justice system. It will give these offenders the help they need to avoid reoffending and avoid in general the recidivism of these offenders over a long term period thereafter within society. The program’s primary goal is to avoid general incarceration of these offenders over long term periods and avoid these offenders in general from even having to enter the criminal justice system in the first place. (Burvill M. etal 2003 pp. 13-31), URL: https//www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160252702002017

Khawaja, Z., & Bélisle-Pipon, J.-C. (2023). Your robot therapist is not your therapist: understanding the role of AI-powered mental health chatbots. Frontiers in Digital Health, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2023.1278186

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However, with the high demand of psychologists now, is it just going to continue getting worse before it gets better? With so many people unable to get the help they need at the moment, how are we going to be able to help those that will start needing help over the next 10 years?

With the rising usage of AI, although being able to give a broader approach to situations, it doesn't offer empathy, it can't establish a trusted relationship and has no lived or world experience which can largely be beneficial.

The government is increasing postgraduate psychology places at universities and removing other barriers for mental health workers. While this will increase the number psychologists in the future, this will not assist with funding for individuals to pay for this service.

References

Dominic Cansdale ABC Gold Coast(2023)

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-05/psychologists-call-for-mental-health-rebate-reform/102316814

The Hon Mark Butler MP (2024) https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/government-invests-in-future-psychologists-fast-tracking-workforce-expansion

References

Australian Psychological Society (2021, March) InPsych 2021, Volume 43 Cultural Safety https://psychology.org.au/for-members/publications/inpsych/2021/february-march-issue-1/by-peter-smith-maps

Cultural Safety

The field of psychology is increasingly essential for ensuring the technologies being rapidly introduced are safe and therefore ethical (e.g. AI for children at school, psychadelic therapy, brain wave monitoring EEG, etc), and the arguments brought forward for/against them need to be strongly science and research backed to navigate current political and cultural movements.

Here comes the opportunity for people who study psychology to use their knowledge to support diverse workplaces. Organisational psychologists can help by making sure that training and communication are clear, inclusive, and suitable for everyone. 

In the end, the article says that when psychologists are more culturally aware, they can help make workplaces safer, fairer, and more successful, both in Australia and around the world. 

Reference:

Dunnette, M. D., Hough, L., & Triandis, H. (Eds.) (1994). Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (2nd Edition), Volume 4. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

DuPraw, M., & Axner, N. (1997). Working on common cross-cultural communication challenges. Retrieved in May 2011 from www.pbs.org/ampu/crosscult.html

Purdie, N., Dudgeon, P., & Walker, R. (2010). Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice. Barton ACT: Commonwealth of Australia.

It is clearly understood that Australia has an increasingly ageing population.  This fact is discussed multiple times in the ‘Executive Summary’ of The Treasury's 2023 Intergenerational Report, pp. vii-vxii, but the mental health care required by an ageing population is not explicitly identified.

 Essentially, there are two primary methods for receiving support services for older people.  One option is home care, where support is provided for activities of daily living in the home, and the other is through relocating to a residential aged care facility.  Stargatt et al. (2016) identify that residents of an aged care facility have a greater likelihood of requiring support for mental health issues compared with older Australians who remain in their homes with support services.  Specifically, when examining residential aged care facilities, the three main barriers to psychological treatment presented by Stargatt et al. (2016) are firstly a lack of training, understanding and time for existing carers. Secondly, the fear of social prejudice by the residents, if thought to have a mental health issue. Finally, the availability of psychologists trained to treat older adults or funding for them.

Hopefully, with the Treasury's acknowledgement of the required increase in services for ‘care and support’, there will also be a greater recognition of the benefits that psychologists could bring to Australia’s ageing population and an increase in the level of funding for this service in aged care facilities.

Stargatt, J., Bhar, S. S., Davison, T. E., Pachana, N. A., Mitchell, L., Koder, D., … Helmes, E. (2017). The Availability of Psychological Services for Aged Care Residents in Australia: A Survey of Facility Staff. Australian Psychologist, 52(6), 406–413. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12244

The access to and abuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is having a direct impact on Indigenous Australians and their mental health. Trauma caused by colonisation, social disadvantage, and systemic racism plays a big role in the development of these co-occurring factors. people who experience mental health symptoms might turn to AOD use as a form of relief or a coping mechanism, but this often ends up making their symptoms worse. it can also work the other way around - those who already use AOD might begin to show signs of mental health issues. Either way, the cycle is similar. The two are strongly linked and often worsen each other. the 2018-19 NATSIHS suggests First Nations people who reported a mental health condition were more likely to have used substances in the last 12 months, compared with those without a mental conditions.

The relationship between AOD and mental health will continue to shape how services provide care. as this connection becomes better understood, services will need to adapt - not only to address issues together but also to ensure that care is culturally relevant. This means shifting approaches to support the unique needs of Indigenous communities, while also responding to the specific ways AOD and mental health interact.

References

Julia Butt, Edward Wilkes, Emily Ripley, Jocelyn Jones and Annalee Stearne. Harmful use of alcohol and other drugs and its relationship with the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations people: a review of the key issues, policy and practice approaches. (published 06/12/2024)

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey.

So although it is acknowledged that funding for NDIS will increase the IGR also talks about repairing the budget. Namely stating “This includes the NDIS Financial Sustainability Framework and reforms to increase the fairness, integrity and sustainability.”(The treasury, 2023, p xvi) So what does this mean for psychologists who support our disability population via the NDIS? As published “The APS is alarmed by changes recommended in this year’s[2025] NDIA Annual Pricing Review, including cuts to hourly rates for psychologists in WA, SA, Tasmania and the NT, and reductions to travel caps; measures that fail to reflect participant need or the economic realities of delivering high-quality supports, and will ultimately limit access to vital therapy services.”(APS media release, 2025)

Considering we are only 2 years into the 40 year projection made in the 2023 IGR these new changes are concerning.  Future impacts to our countries psychologists and population could be greatly impacted by existing and any further changes made to the NDIS by government in a service that is of high demand for Australians.

'This objectification of girls and pressure to fit into society’s narrow beauty standards can affect their psychological development and mental health.'

This will challenge the psychological field to adapt and keep up to date with how these platforms eveolve and what ways that affects young girls.

Emerging new trends are shaping the way organisations deal with financial crime risk management, including artificial intelligence, detecting potential threats, suspicious activity and dynamic models are starting to update risk profiles based on real-time inputs, minimising manual intervention.

Investing in advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain analytics is crucial for the future of financial crime prevention, as these tools enhance the ability to detect complex patterns, monitor transactions in real-time, and adapt to evolving threats. By leveraging these innovations, organisations can stay ahead of sophisticated criminal networks and improve the efficiency of compliance efforts.

(The future of Financial Crime Risk Management Predictions and Strategic Directions). March 1 2025.

According to the study by Elaine Marcele AI will completely transformed or replicated by humans, there will be less opportunity for human beings, loss of jobs, cost of living pressure will impact on social and personal life.

Elaine Marcele Matos S Grasso - Psychology Degree

https://www.onecentralhealth.com.au/blog/therapy-why-a-psychologist-is-better-than-ai/?hl=en-AU

As we can observe a growth related to the use of AI in pretty much in all sectors of modern life, how can we, as future professional psychologists, adjust for this new technological scenario? This question has been brought and discussed for experts as we can see in many articles recently published.

Reading I few of them, I agree with the experts that believe that while there are an emerging fear that AI could replace psychologists, the general consensus is that AI will help increase psychological practice rather than replace it. Psychologists will increasintly be essential for a more complexing human understanding, for clinical judgement, ethical oversight and for the irreplaceble human connection.

Imagine for a moment that you’re a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re decoding the enigma of the human mind. That’s what psychologists do every day, and their findings have profound implications for all of us. From the moment we wake up to the second we drift off to sleep, psychological principles are at play, influencing everything from our morning coffee routine to our bedtime self-reflection.

But why should we care about psychology in our everyday lives? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a mind-bending journey that will transform the way you see yourself and the world around you.

The Cognitive Carnival: How Our Minds Shape Reality

Let’s kick things off with a deep dive into cognitive psychology, the branch that explores mental processes like thinking, remembering, and problem-solving. It’s like the backstage pass to the grand theater of your mind, revealing the hidden mechanisms behind your daily experiences.

First up: memory. It’s not just about remembering where you left your keys (though that’s certainly helpful). Memory is the cornerstone of learning and decision-making. Every time you recall a past experience to inform a current choice, you’re flexing your memory muscles. But here’s the kicker – our memories aren’t perfect recordings. They’re more like impressionist paintings, capturing the essence of an experience but often blurring the details.

This imperfect nature of memory can lead to some interesting quirks in our daily lives. Ever had a heated argument with a friend about the details of a shared experience? You’re both probably right – and wrong. Our memories are shaped by our perceptions, emotions, and subsequent experiences, creating a unique narrative for each of us.

Speaking of perception, it’s the next stop on our cognitive tour. Perception is how we interpret the world around us, and it’s far from objective. Our tendency to make assumptions is a prime example of how our perceptions can sometimes lead us astray. We often fill in gaps in our knowledge with assumptions based on past experiences or biases, which can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities.

But don’t despair! Being aware of these cognitive quirks is the first step to navigating them more effectively. By questioning our assumptions and seeking additional information, we can make more informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of hasty judgments.

Now, let’s talk about problem-solving and critical thinking – the dynamic duo of cognitive skills that help us tackle everyday challenges. Whether you’re figuring out the fastest route to work or deciding on a career change, these skills are your trusty sidekicks. The key is to approach problems systematically, breaking them down into manageable parts and considering multiple perspectives.

Last but not least in our cognitive carnival is attention. In a world full of distractions, the ability to focus is like a superpower. Understanding the mind’s automatic processes, or “autopilot,” can help us harness our attention more effectively. By recognizing when we’re operating on autopilot, we can consciously redirect our focus to the tasks that matter most.

Stress Management and Mental Health: Navigating Life’s Challenges

Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and that’s where stress management and mental health come into play. Understanding these aspects of psychology is crucial for maintaining our well-being in the face of life’s challenges.

First, let’s talk about identifying sources of stress in everyday life. Daily hassles, those small but persistent annoyances, can accumulate over time and have a significant impact on our stress levels. By recognizing these stressors, we can develop targeted strategies to address them.

Coping strategies and stress reduction techniques are the tools in our mental health toolkit. From mindfulness meditation to physical exercise, there’s a wide range of evidence-based approaches to managing stress. The key is finding what works for you and making it a regular part of your routine.

Self-care and work-life balance are essential components of stress management. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and neglect our own needs. But taking time for ourselves isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for maintaining our mental and emotional well-being.

It’s also important to recognize and address common mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are more prevalent than many people realize. By understanding the signs and symptoms, we can seek help when needed and support others who may be struggling.

References

1.Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

2.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

3.Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

4.Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

5.Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.

6.Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.

7.Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press.

8.Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.

9.Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. Hyperion.

10.Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and Personality. Harper & Brothers.

It is reported that cybercrime enables offenders to leave no trace, making it almost impossible to apprehend the accused, or aid those who have been afflicted by cybercrime activities (Onwuadiamu, 2025).

This online method of crime is a recent challenge for the criminology discipline as it concerns multiple fronts of offences, with limited precedence to seize it.

Features as simple as phones having facial recognition, or expensive cars automatically recording it's surroundings are seemingly made for customer aid and satisfaction. But through a cybercrime lens, these digital tools can be used to infiltrate individuals privacy and surveillance.

We all love online shopping, yet this is just another loophole for cybercriminals to take credit card information for deception or theft (Onwuadiamu, 2025).

Or perhaps most concerningly, is the distribution of sexually explicit materials. Which predominately impacts minors as they are excessively exposed and exploited through they're prominent internet usage (Onwuadiamu, 2025).

All of which can lead to an overarching theme of cyber violence - impacting both mental and physical health (Onwuadiamu, 2025).

An array of crimes can be committed digitally, without leaving any fingerprints or clues of whose responsible. This is an uprising issue for law enforcement and criminologists as it is a difficult activity to track. According to Onwuadiamu's report (2025), more interdisciplinary research is required in order to educate policymakers and researchers who aim to intervene this genre of crime.

Onwuadiamu, G. (2025). Cybercrime in Criminology; A Systematic Review of criminological theories, methods, and concepts. Journal of Economic Criminology, 8, 100136. Science Direct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100136

Nonetheless, rising prices inevitably will impact the reduction on purchasing power of many consumers.

According to IMF, most economists now believe that low, stable and most importantly, predict inflation is good for the economy. If inflation is low and predictable, it is easier to capture it according to price adjustment contracts and interest rates and therefore reducing its distortionary impact.