During our tenure as the Co-Chairs of the Society for Media Psychology and Technology Student Committee, we have had the privilege of contributing to and witnessing the growth of our committee and its initiatives within the Division. We have established a foundation for student involvement and engagement throughout the committee and beyond. Moreover, we have and continue to empower and amplify student voices to both create a space for students, as well as to develop a pipeline to further expand and diversify the Division at large. Our time within the role has been an enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Not only have we grown as respective leaders and collaborators, but we have reinforced our dedication to nurturing student development and fostering greater participation. We have also had the joy of forming personal and professional connections within the Division and appreciate the unwavering support of the Division at large for our initiatives over the past three years.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this journey has in fact been the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of students and professionals who share a passion for media psychology and technology. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise has broadened our horizons and enabled us to see the multidimensional aspects of the field. Our continued commitment to programming, including initiatives such as the mentorship program, accountability groups, and the podcast Psych w/ a Twist of Media and Tech, as well as the Grad Stepping Program, has proven fruitful in increasing student engagement and participation within the Division. These initiatives, geared toward students’ professional development, have not only enriched their educational experiences but have also contributed to the long-term vitality and growth of our Division and the field.

As the committee continues to evolve, so has the field of media psychology and technology. Therefore, as we look to the future, it is important to both reflect on our journey and consider the path ahead. Our tenure as Co-Chairs has coincided with a dynamic period of growth and transformation in our field. The field has experienced rapid advancement, including the expansion of telehealth and AI, bringing about new challenges and opportunities that require our attention and adaptability. The growth and success of the committee has been instrumental in responding to the evolving landscapes. The students within our committee, in collaboration with professionals (e.g., mentors), have become a driving force, actively participating in the shaping of our field.

Empowering student voices has been and continues to be at the core of our mission. Creating a space for students to share their insights, ideas, and concerns has not only enriched our committee but also fostered a sense of belonging and purpose within the Division and beyond. Moreover, by nurturing a pipeline for diversifying the Division and field, we have set in motion a process that contributes to a more inclusive and representative community, and we are excited to witness how this continues with future student leadership. Our journey as Co-Chairs of the Society for Media Psychology and Technology Student Committee has been a transformative experience. We have witnessed the growth of our committee and the impact of our initiatives, and we remain committed to continuing our support for student development as we transition to early career professionals. 

As we transition out of our roles as Co-Chairs at the end of this year, we look forward to continuing our involvement and leadership in the Division in collaboration with the Division’s members. We would like to sincerely thank all those in the Division who have supported us thus far and been instrumental in our growth as leaders and to the success of our initiatives.