Research
Social Media & Identity
How does the way we behave online affect who we are? I explore how social media raises self-esteem, shifts perceptions of academic performance, or changes eating behaviors in youth. Based on theories in Communication (i.e. hyperpersonal model) and Social Psychology (i.e. self-perception theory, public commitment theory), this research explored the relationship between perceptions (e.g. audience size and acquaintanceship) and changes to identity. That is, the better we know our audiences and the bigger they are, the more likely we are to take on new identities following self-presentation.
Social Media, Social Connectedness, & Health
As technology evolves, new systems are designed to enhance connectedness, especially for at-risks groups, such as the elderly or infirm. In one study of social connectedness in social media, I collaborated with Dr. Jeffrey Hancock and Dr. James Pennebaker to explore the implications of verbal mimicry using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) system. We find that mimicry in text-based communication is an indication of group affinity.
Perceiving one’s self as socially connected is also critical to physical and mental health. I have collaborated with Cornell’s HCI lab to examine how mobile devices that allow people to share health behaviors may actually improve health choices. With a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation I have also just finished collecting data in the form of a diary study to examine the relationship between perceived social support, social media use and well-being. By using a non-student population and stratifying by education, I was also able to look at differences across SES. To further address health and technology disparities, I have collected in-depth interview data with low-income NYC residents to see how people use mobile technology to connect with others in their neighborhoods. Using that data I will implement a text-based neighborhood intervention to try to improve the health and quality of life in urban settings. This project is also funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.