Protecting kids in digital spaces: a cognitive psychologist explains the hidden effects of persuasive design | Protéger les enfants dans les espaces numériques : une psychologue cognitiviste explique les effets cachés de la conception persuasive

Dr. Jacquelyn Burkell is a Professor in the Faculty of Information & Media Studies at Western University and the IPC’s Scholar-in-Residence for 2026-2027.  Her research focuses on the social impact of technology, examining how technological mediation changes social interaction and information behaviour. She is particularly interested in how predictable decision-making capacities and tendencies, particularly as studied in behavioural economics, can be used to design information and information systems that influence user attitudes, behaviours, and decisions.  From visual perception to digital privacy: Dr. Burkell’s cognitive psychology focus and research [2:38] Key findings from Dr. Burkell’s research [4:00] Privacy issues facing youth today and long-term harms [6:05] Comparative cultures and curated selves: navigating online identities [10:42] Persuasive design and dark patterns [12:14] Social impacts of technology: how technological mediation changes social behaviour [14:15] Persuasive design and user experience [16:46] Building media literacy and strengthening regulatory practices [20:34] The IPC’s Scholar-in-Residence: bridging research and youth perspectives [22:35] Resources: Re-thinking consent in light of scientific and technological developments (SSHRC Insight Grant) IPC resources for children and youth Privacy Pursuit! Games and Activities for kids Privacy Pursuit! Lesson plans IPC Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools IPC Youth Ambassador Toolkit A guide to privacy and access to information in schools (IPC guidance) Protecting your students’ privacy online (IPC fact sheet) Privacy in the school (IPC fact sheet) Use of edtech in schools: Children should not have to swap their privacy for an education (Commissioner’s blog) How youth voices are shaping conversations about digital rights (IPC guest blog) Privacy tips for kids (IPC YouTube video) Privacy Day 2022: Empowering a new generation of digital citizens (IPC YouTube video) Technology in the classroom: Digital education, privacy, and student well-being (Info Matters podcast) The IPC’s Youth Advisory Council IPC Instagram Info Matters is a podcast about people, privacy, and access to information hosted by Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. We dive into conversations with people from all walks of life and hear stories about the access and privacy issues that matter most to them.  If you enjoyed the podcast, leave us a rating or a review.  Have an access to information or privacy topic you want to learn more about? Interested in being a guest on the show? Comment on our posts on BlueSky and LinkedIn or email your ideas to [email protected]. -- La docteure Jacquelyn Burkell est professeure à la Faculté d’information et d’études sur les médias de l’Université Western et chercheuse résidente du CIPVP pour l’année 2026-2027. Ses recherches portent sur les répercussions sociales de la technologie et étudient la façon dont la médiation technologique modifie les interactions sociales et le comportement lié à l’information. La chercheuse résidente s’intéresse particulièrement à la façon dont les capacités et les tendances prévisibles en matière de prise de décision, plus précisément celles étudiées en économie comportementale, peuvent être utilisées pour concevoir de l’information et des systèmes d’information qui influencent les attitudes, les comportements et les décisions des utilisateurs. De la perception visuelle à la protection des renseignements personnels numériques : centre d’intérêt et recherche en psychologie cognitive de la docteure Burkell [2:38] Principales conclusions des recherches de la docteure Burkell [4:00] Enjeux liés à la protection de la vie privée auxquels font face les jeunes d’aujourd’hui et préjudices à long terme [6:05] Cultures comparées et identités mises en scène : exploration des identités en ligne [10:42] Conception persuasive et interfaces trompeuses [12:14] Répercussions sociales de la technologie : comment la médiation technologique modifie le comportement social [14:15] Conception persuasive et expérience utilisateur [16:46] Développement de la littératie médiatique et renforcement des pratiques réglementaires [20:34] Poste de chercheur résident du CIPVP : établir un lien entre la recherche et les perspectives des jeunes [22:35] The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the IPC does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this podcast, and information from this podcast should not be used or reproduced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. None of the information, opinions and recommendations presented in this podcast bind the IPC’s Tribunal that may be called upon to independently investigate and decide upon an individual complaint or appeal based on the specific facts and unique circumstances of a given case.