The CommSci team focuses on researching the interplay between digital communication and media use with the well-being, health, and self-regulation of various social groups (e.g., youth, employees) in different contexts (e.g., work, leisure, education). In the current PROMISE project, for example, we are investigating how effective regulation and governance of social media can improve the mental health of young people. In the ERC-funded HYIHY project, we are studying the social consequences of digitalization and human-AI communication for the world of work, social relationships, and social cohesion.

In our research, we primarily work with communication, (media) psychological, and socio-technical theories, as well as a variety of empirical methods. Current foci include in situ-methods such as diary studies, experience sampling, and digital behavioral data, as well as AI-supported systematic literature reviews and open science (e.g., preregistration).

In teaching, the CommSci team offers a range of empirical and fundamental courses in communication science, particularly in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Socioeconomics, but we also frequently welcome students from other programs, such as Business Studies, International Business Studies, and Marketing.