Research projects include comparing the value of perceived human versus AI-generated empathy, exploring human and AI emotional support through reframing of negative situations, and studying emotion regulation contagion driving reduction in negative intergroup emotions.
Research Experience
Leads a team of social scientists whose work aims to integrate theories from psychology, complex systems, cognitive science, and philosophy, using a mix of experimental work, big data analysis, computational modeling, and AI.
Background
Research interests include social behavior (interactions between people or between people and machines), especially examined through the lens of affective processes such as emotions and well-being. The aim is to understand what measures can be taken to predict and change how people feel, particularly aiming for large-scale changes across large groups of people. Special attention is paid to how technologies like large language models and digital media play a role in eliciting unhelpful emotions and whether they can be used to help manage those emotions.