New Technologies, New Problems, New Laws

Forensic psychiatrists in the 21st century can expect to encounter technology-related social problems for which existing legal remedies are limited. In addition to the inadequate protection of adolescents using social media as outlined by Costello et al., current laws are often poorly suited to remedy problems such as cyberharassment, sexting among minors, and the publication of threatening or harmful communications online. Throughout history, technological developments have often preceded the introduction of new laws or the careful revision of existing laws. This pattern is evident in many of the newer social problems that involve technology, including cyberbullying, online impersonation, and revenge porn. As specialists working at the intersection of human behavior and the law, forensic psychiatrists are uniquely situated to help legal professionals and others understand the impact of internet-related problematic behaviors on victims and, perhaps, to assist in the development of new legal remedies that are better tailored to our increasingly digital society.