ETL researchers will take part in the EASP 2026 General Meeting, which brings together the social psychology community to present research, discuss new developments in the field and build international collaborations.
Prof. Atte Oksanen will present work on self-efficacy, strain and professional identity under AI disruption. The study examines how AI use, AI-related strain, self-efficacy and identity threat are connected in everyday work. Based on survey and interview data from Finnish workers, the findings show that AI can be experienced both as an opportunity for learning and effectiveness and as a source of uncertainty, pressure and identity-related concerns.
Dr. Iina Savolainen will give a talk on whether social comparison can contribute to work exhaustion in the context of workplace AI use. The one-year follow-up study of Finnish workers suggests that active AI use itself does not necessarily increase exhaustion, but social comparison tendencies may do so. The results underline the importance of AI readiness and psychological adaptability in supporting well-being during technological change.
Dr. Magdalena Celuch will present work on reporting online harassment to the police. This cross-national longitudinal study examines what kinds of online harassment experiences are most likely to lead to police reports and how reporting is associated with institutional trust and online behavior. The findings indicate that reporting is shaped by the severity and broader patterns of victimization, while reporting showed no clear link with trust in police.
Moona Heiskari will present research on technology users’ group identity, health technology use and basic psychological needs. The study shows that health and well-being technologies may support social connectedness, but can also challenge users’ sense of autonomy and competence. The findings highlight the role of social identification in shaping people’s experiences with new technologies.