In the Human-Tech Dynamics Lab, we explore the complexities of human-technology interactions and their psychological, social, and cultural impacts.
Our research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and multitasking. We employ diverse methodologies like surveys, experiments, interviews, longitudinal studies, physiological measurements, and ecological momentary assessments.
Our projects
Eye-tracking on AI Artworks
Viewing with critical eyes: examining selective exposure to AI-generated creative works using the eye-tracking method. We are currently collecting data among advertising professionals.
This study is funded by the ScholarshipCatalyst Program at Texas Tech University 2023-2024
Human-AI Collaboration
The Trust Cost of AI Hallucinations: Examining Cognitive, Relational, and Behavioral Trust Dynamics in Human-AI Collaboration
This research paper is currently under-review.
AI Literacy
This project seeks to investigate the impact of AI-misinfo related to science and medicine. Then, we will develop and test the efficacies of a novel generative AI literacy intervention in promoting desirable changes in critical thinking, fact-checking, and attitudes toward science and medicine.
This project is funded by the Stony Brook University 2024-2025
People
Rich Onyeka Managor is a graduate student and a teacher at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on understanding human engagement with mass media. He is primarily interested in how athletes use and communicate with interactive media. He aims to promote adaptive use of media, and enhance human health and well-being by understanding how these interactions work. He is also a teaching assistant in the Digital and Social Media class.
Yani Zhao is a Ph.D. Candidate at Texas Tech University. Her present academic pursuits include: (1) investigating factors that influence individuals' reactions to incidental news or PR messages on social media; (2) the application of AI in message design to achieve persuasive objectives; (3) examining individuals' focus on short-form videos through the utilization of visual tactility. All research aims to explore the diverse tactics to influence individuals' attention, cognitive processing, and opinions.
Hye-jung “Morgan” Park brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of human activities. She earned a Ph.D. in music at The Ohio State University and worked as a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow at Texas Christian University. She is currently pursuing another Master’s degree in Computer Science at Tufts University. At Tufts, with a specific focus on AI and Machine Learning, she is developing a self-driving robot with image and sound recognition. You can visit her website at https://morgan-park.github.io.
Buduo Wang is an Assistant Professor in the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. His research interests lie at the intersection of health communication, computer-mediated communication, and persuasion resistance. He explores the psychological mechanisms underlying how individuals process and evaluate health messages, especially in online environments. His recent work examines how online users perceive and assess health information received from social media influencers and artificial intelligence.
Ali Ahsan is a Ph.D. student in the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. He is interested in exploring how AI technologies can be integrated into human communication, particularly education. Through an in-depth analysis of social, cultural, psychological, and interpersonal factors, Ali hopes to provide insights for optimizing AI implementation strategies to enhance social and educational outcomes, and to facilitate the integration of AI innovations to empower learning environments.
Bridget Maglo is a graduate student and teaching assistant at Texas Tech University. She specializes in Artificial Intelligence, human-machine interaction, and psychological well-being. Bridget’s current research explores the emotional capacity of social chatbots as companions for users. Through her studies, she aims to provide insights into enhancing AI to offer meaningful support, especially for individuals lacking real-time support.
Ruiyi Zhang is a graduate student in the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on social media influencers, both human and AI, fan interactions, the impact of short video dissemination, and social media account operation and monetization. By studying fan culture and the online celebrity economy, she explores how to use fan culture to promote economic and social development and cultural exchange.
