Focus: Health and Risk Communication

Yan Jin. (forthcoming), “The Best of Both Worlds: The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) Approach to The Quest for Crisis Management Keystone,” Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. Abstract: This […]

Yen-I Lee (PhD Alum) [PI], Di Mu [Co-PI], Michaela Gearty (AdPR undergraduate researcher) [Co-PI], and Yan Jin [Co-PI]. “Social Media Influencers, Emotional Flow, and Elevation Uplift Narrative Persuasion on Mental Health Prosocial Communication: A Media […]

Sungsu Kim (PhD alum), Sung In Choi (PhD candidate), Chiara Valentini, Mark Badham, and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “How Motivation to Reduce Uncertainty Predicts COVID-19 Behavioral Responses: Strategic Health Communication Insights […]

Yan Jin and Augustine Pang [Chairs] (2023, May). Panel: “Leading Strategic Communication through Turbulent Times: How the Contingency Theory Advances Practice in the Management of Crises, Conflicts and Complex Public Relations […]

Xuerong Lu (PhD alum) and Yan Jin (2023, May). “There Is a Time for Everything in Organizational Corrective Communication: The Effects of Correction Placement Timing and Refutation Detail Level on Combating Crisis Misinformation.” […]

Chiara Valentini, Elanor Colleoni, Yan Jin and Sung In Choi (PhD candidate) (2023, May). “Public’s Health Information Consumption During a Prolonged Pandemic: The Competing Roles of Journalists and Digital Influencers and Their Effects in […]

Karen Robayo Sanchez (PhD student), Yan Jin, and Vivian Medina-Messner (2023, March). “How Hispanic and Latino Young Adults Respond to COVID-19 Crisis Information on Social Media: Opportunities of Overcoming Digital Inequality Threat […]

Augustine Pang, Yan Jin, and Glen T. Cameron. (Forthcoming). “The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management: Review from Three Decades of Theory Development, Extension and Application.” Journalism and Communication Monographs. Abstract: The […]

Sung In Choi (PhD candidate), Sungsu Kim (PhD alum), Yan Jin, Chiara Valentini, Mark Badham, Elanor Colleoni, and Stefania Romenti (In press). “Effects of Individuals’ Cultural Orientations and Trust in […]

Xuerong Lu (PhD Alum), Yen-I Lee (PhD Alum), and Yan Jin. (Forthcoming). “Understanding crisis narratives with large-scale Twitter data: The role of celebrity and emotions in the virality of #MeToo […]

Sung In Choi (PhD student), Yan Jin, and Mark Badham. (forthcoming). “Factors Influencing Americans’ Preventive Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for Strategic Health and Risk Communicators.” Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and […]

Xuerong Lu (PhD alum) and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “Integrating Strategy and Dosage: A New Conceptual Formula for Overcoming Unintended Effects in Public Health Crisis Communication (PHCC).” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. […]

Yan Jin, Lucinda Austin, and Brooke Liu. (forthcoming). “Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Research: How Information Generation, Consumption, and Transmission Influence Communication Processes and Outcomes.” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. Coombs […]

Bryan Reber, Yan Jin, and Glen Nowak. (forthcoming). “Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Crisis Scholarship with Practice.” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. Coombs and S. J. Holladay), Wiley-Blackwell.  Abstract: Reber, Jin, […]

Elise Karinshak (undergraduate student) and Yan Jin’s paper “Knowing Thy Enemy and Fighting the Good Fight: A Framework for Organizational Preparation for and Response to AI-driven Disinformation Campaigns” received the Emerald Professional […]

Ivanka Pjesivac, Leslie Klein (PhD student), Wenqing Zhao (PhD student),Xuerong Lu (recently graduated PhD student), and Yan Jin. (May 2022). “Factors that impact COVID-19 conspirational beliefs and health-related behaviors.” Poster presented at […]

Yen-I Lee (PhD alum), Xuerong Lu (PhD candidate), Taylor Voges (PhD candidate), and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “Fending off Unverified Accusation with Narratives: The Role of Primary and Secondary Narratives in Organizational Response Effectiveness in an Ongoing […]

Taylor Voges (PhD candidate), Yan Jin, LaShonda Eaddy (PhD alum), Shelley Spector. (forthcoming). “Effective Communication Management in a Public Health Crisis: Lessons Learned about COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Health Communication Executives.” Journal […]

Abstract: Interpreting a facemask as an unspoken statement of one’s identity during the COVID-19 pandemic based on product symbolism theory, the present study examines the relationships among one’s trust in […]

Abstract: This study examined the effects of literacy and efficacy on individuals’ protective action taking and information seeking during the early phase of infectious disease outbreaks through a nationally representative survey […]

Abstract: Social media provides users easy access to unpredictable and unfiltered information from multiple sources during crises, further challenging publics to discern the accuracy of the information they receive and […]

Abstract: The social-mediated crisis communication domain is flooded with misinformation in various forms, causing misperception about a crisis and trigger negative crisis outcomes that harm organizational reputation and publics’ wellbeing. […]

Abstract: To further investigate the role of conspirational beliefs on health-related behaviors during a health pandemic such as COVID-19, we conducted an online survey among U.S. adults (N = 798) […]

Abstract: Based on a COVID-19 pandemic communication survey (N = 3,124) in Australia, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States, our study examined how trust in government sources […]

Abstract: Organizations need to respond to sticky crises with speed and timeliness; this speed depends onhow communication practitioners assess threats and their organizations’ resources for the threats. Based on theoretical […]

Abstract: Crises have been examined from the perspective of the crisis origin organization. Depending on the crisis type, other organizations might experience impacts because of the initial crisis. This emerging […]

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by unprecedented loss of life; political instability; and a global infodemic, has eroded public trust in all types of institutions (Edelman, 2021) except business. Public […]

Abstract: Using an online survey of a representative U.S. adult sample, this study revealed how publics perceived COVID-19 risk and credibility of information channels differently, which further predicted intention to […]

Abstract: To close existing research gap and combat vaccine hesitancy among young adults, we conduct this study to integrate psychological reactance theory to better understand the effectiveness of three emerging […]

Abstract: This study examined how individuals’ emotional and cognitive responses to different shades of truth embedded in health crisis (mis)information (i.e., full falsity vs. partial falsity vs. full truth) might […]

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several challenges to businesses and societies. In response, many corporations have supported local communities and authorities in the management of the pandemic. Although these […]

Book Description: The purpose of this book is to provide insights into effective and ethical management of “sticky crises” (i.e., industry-wide crisis issues that are complex and challenging, with and […]

Abstract: To further the understanding of how communication executives make tough calls in times of organizational-public conflict, we use a conjoint analysis to identify key drivers for organizational stance decision-making. […]

Yan Jin (PI), Shelley Spector (Co-PI), and Taylor Voges (PhD Candidate, Co-PI). “The Power of Myth and Truth: Uncovering the History and Growing Role of Native Americans in Public Relations.” The Arthur W. Page Center […]

Santosh Vijaykumar, Daniel Rogerson, Yan Jin, and Mariella Silva de Oliveira Costa. (forthcoming). “Dynamics of Feedback Behaviours to Social Peers Sharing COVID-19 Misinformation on WhatsApp in Brazil.” Abstract: Online COVID-19 misinformation is […]

Funding Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration via a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Total Amount:  $224,478.00 Project period: 09/30/2021 to 06/29/2024 Project Summary: We propose a multi-phase research project that […]

Abstract: Crises present organizations with the “rhetorical exigency” to enact control (Heath, 2004, p.167). Silence is not an option. This study, as the first empirical examination of Le et al. (2019)’s seminal study […]

Abstract: The study utilizes semi-structured interviews of health risk communication practitioners in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contingency theory of strategic conflict management is the guide to understanding […]

Aarum Youn-Heil (Grady PhD student) and Yan Jin. Abstract: This study proposes a new conceptual model for understanding interracial communication apprehension (IRCA), delineating how people of color use various communication practices (Orbe, […]

Abstract: How individuals experience unintended effects of risk messages is an understudied area. Focusing on three types of unintended effects (i.e., message fatigue, risk tolerance, and psychological reactance) associated with […]

Abstract: Although uncertainty has been identified as a key crisis characteristic and a multi-faceted construct essential to effective crisis management research and practice, only a few studies examined publics’ perceived […]

Abstract: While risk perception has been the subject of many sport tourism studies, much remains to be linked with risk information seeking, travel-related response, and behavior in the sport tourism […]

Abstract: Effective response strategies and narratives are crucial for organizations to manage crisis situations. Grounded in SCCT (Coombs, 2007) and narratives of crisis (Seeger & Sellnow, 2016), this study aims […]

Abstract: One of the understudied topics in risk communication is why individuals do not follow or are resistant to recommended behaviors that optimize personal health outcomes. To understand the dimensionality […]

Abstract: Uncertainty is one of the key characteristics of an organizational crisis that needs to be addressed in an organization’s crisis responses. Although a large body of uncertainty research has […]

Abstract: The world is subject to many an affliction and pandemic, as seen most recently with COVID-19. This study, in an attempt to better understand the trends and workings of […]

Abstract: This study uses a novel approach, the conjoint analysis, as a way to investigate the interactions between three factor groupings of the contingency theory variables that are relevant for […]

Abstract: We examined how age and exposure to different types of COVID-19 (mis)information affect misinformation beliefs, perceived credibility of the message and intention-to-share it on WhatsApp. Through two mixed-design online […]

Dr. Yan Jin is named a Top 6 “Most Published Author” in Public Relations Review and a Top 16 “Most Cited Author” in Public Relations Review articles. [Source: Page, T. […]

Abstract: Higher education institutions and their students face a wide range of infectious disease threats (IDTs). However, there is a lack of theory-driven research on how to provide communication for […]

Abstract: Depression is a major threat to public health in China. Although many social determinants have been recognized as robust predictors of health outcomes, depression is still widely viewed and […]

Hyoyeun Jun (Grady PhD Alum) and Yan Jin (Forthcoming). “The Conceptualization of Risk Tolerance and Scale Development for Measuring Publics’ Tolerance of Individual Health Risks.” Journal of International Crisis and […]

Yan Jin, Irina A. Iles, Lucinda Austin, Brooke Liu, and Gregory R. Hancock (Forthcoming). “The Infectious Disease Threat (IDT) Appraisal Model: How Perceptions of IDT Predictability and Controllability Predict Individuals’ […]

Yan Jin (PI). Grant from Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication: ($4,500, 2020-2021). [Co-PIs: Shelley Spector and Lashonda Eaddy (Grady PhD Alum)] “Ethical and Effective Multi-Agency Public Crisis […]

Abstract: Crisis misinformation, including false information about a crisis or a crisis-stricken organization, has become a fundamental threat to organizational wellbeing. Effective crisis response geared toward fighting crisis misinformation demands […]

Abstract: To expand the existing scholarly literature on the nature of crisis, this study elaborates on the notion of crisis distance by 1) investigating its influence on publics’ crisis responses […]

Brooke Liu, Lucinda Austin, Yen-I Lee, Yan Jin, and Seoyeon Kim. (Forthcoming). “Telling the Tale: The Role of Narratives in Helping People Respond to Crises.” Journal of Applied Communication Research. […]

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices for corporate communication research collaboration between a university research group (URG) and outside businesses or organizations that systematically […]

Abstract: In recent years, several fashion organizations have received trenchant criticisms made against garments and fashion campaigns that included designs and graphics with negative racial connotations. Crisis issues can be […]

Abstract: In order to understand publics’ crisis information consumption in an increasingly competitive and conflicting media environment, this study addresses how and why individuals vet information (or not) in social-mediated […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Information Systems Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: To refine the conceptualization and operationalization of information vetting in […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Health Communication Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: This study investigated the effect of different framing, visual, and […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Public Relations Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: Crisis misinformation, including false information about a crisis or a […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: Numerous studies have explored how publics seek and share crisis information, but […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: How to detect side effects of repeated exposure of the same or […]

Accepted for presentation at the 23rd annual International Public Relations Research Conference (IPRRC), March 5-7, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: This study examines the effects of environmental risk perception and risk […]

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: Social media have become dominant channels for organizations and citizens to share […]

Invited Article: Yi-Ru Regina Chen, Yang Cheng, Chun-Ju Flora Hung-Baesecke, and Yan Jin (12/10/2019). “How Stakeholders React to Mobile-Enhanced Corporate Disaster Relief Efforts.” Behavioral Insights Research Center, Institute for Public […]

Lucinda Austin and Yan Jin (Eds.) (Forthcoming in 2021). Social Media and Crisis Communication (Second Edition), Routledge.

Abstract: In order to understand publics’ information consumption behavior in current media environment, this study addresses how and why individuals vet information (or not) in crisis situations. Grounded in dual-process […]

Abstract: The continuation of rapid changes in Web 2.0 has transformed the practice of business communication and stakeholders’ expectations. One paramount issue facing corporate communicators is stakeholders’ social media fatigue […]

Abstract: Depression is one of the most severe health threats to the college student population. Depression communication plays an essential role in reducing stigma and discrimination against sufferers. However, the […]

Abstract: Given the role the Internet plays in communicating anti-vaccine sentiments, coupled with limited research in this area, this study focused on the social media platform Pinterest, analyzing 1,119 vaccine-related […]

Abstract: This Delphi study explores the status of crisis communication research and education qualitatively through the lens of 22 internationally recognized crisis communication scholars, systematically recruited and retained to serve […]

2019 Emerald Literati Award for Excellence – Highly Commended Paper, Corporate Communications: an International Journal -LaShonda Eaddy and Yan Jin (2018). “Crisis History Tellers Matter: The Effects of Crisis History […]

Abstract:: Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for complex and challenging issues benefit when academic perspectives are connected with practitioner experiences. This book brings crisis […]

Abstract: With globalization, corporations increasingly have to consider both domestic stakeholders and overseas stakeholders (i.e., international publics) in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice. Digitalization empowers international publics to scrutinize […]

Abstract: Social movements and social issue related public discourse has become one of the most impactful public communication phenomena in the digital space. Previous studies have examined the association between […]

Abstract: this study examines the effect of discrete emotional appeal (i.e., regret and hope) in loss-framing-based narrative by exploring its impact on people’s emotional engagement and attitude toward the smoking […]

Abstract: In a polarizing media environment increasingly fraught with misinformation, disinformation, contradicting information, and rumor, it is tougher than ever for brands and agencies to correct the record or make […]

Abstract: The proliferation of news sources and user-generated content, which is flooded by misinformation (Southwell, Thorson, & Sheble, 2018), present an urgent need for research that investigates audiences’ information consumption […]

Abstract: As Heath and O’Hair (2009) defined, crisis is when risk is manifested. The urgency and uncertainty of crisis can induce more complexity to organizations (Seeger, Sellnow, & Ulmer, 1998). […]

Abstract: An increasing lack of information truthfulness has become one fundamental challenge to communications. Insights into how to debunk this type of misinformation can especially be crucial for public health […]

Abstract: The public health communication challenges that arise in times of infectious disease threats (IDTs) were examined using the Risk Amplification through Media Spread (RAMS) Framework and in-depth phone interviews […]

Abstract: This longitudinal pedagogical research investigates students’ perceptions and learning outcomes by integrating web and social analytics-based learning activities (i.e., Google Analytics courses and certification test) into Public Relations Research […]

Abstract: With the heavy use of mobile social networking applications (SNA), corporations have widely applied corporate social responsibility activities enhanced by mobile technologies (i.e., mCSR) to target stakeholders. This study […]

Abstract: This study aims to identify the nature of, and find potential solutions to the kinds of vulnerabilities that misinformation imposes on older adults during infectious disease outbreaks with a […]

Abstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were […]

Abstract: As social media use on mobile devices has been integrated in people’s daily lives, corporations began to target the publics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on mobile devices. […]

Abstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were […]

Abstract: This study first refined the conceptual framework of publics’ communicative behavior in social-mediated health crises. Then two multiple-item scales for measuring publics’ health crisis information seeking and sharing (CISS) […]

Joon Choi (Georgia), Jeong-Yeob Han (Georgia), and Jieun Han (KAN-WIN) organized a Workshop on “Religious Leaders for Healthy Family,” for Greater Chicago and Midwestern area Korean faith organizations and community leaders, […]

Hahm, Jung Min (Grady Ph.D. Alum) & Han, Jeong-Yeob. (2023, March). “The Impact of Social Distance and Message Framing on Young Adults’ Response to the Anti-vaping PSAs on Instagram: The […]

Kim, Hanyoung (Grady Ph.D. Alum) & Han, Jeong-Yeob. (2023, May). “Unraveling The Effect of Social Media-Based Mental Health Campaigns During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Support Reception, Expression, and Coping Strategies” […]

Choi, J (UGA Social Work)., Orpinas, Pamela (UGA Public Health)., Han, Jeong-Yeob, Cho, S., Li, T., & Kim, C. (2022). “Promoting Survivor Safety in Immigrant Communities: Online Simulation Training for […]

Jeong-Yeob Han was appointed as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Advertising, as of December 2022.

Ja Kyung Seo (Ph.D. student), Hanyoung Kim (Ph.D. alumni), Youngjee Ko (Ph.D. candidate), Hye Jin Yoon, Jeong-Yeob Han, and Youngji Seo (Ph.D. alumni). “Are Interactive PSA Formats Always Good? Testing […]

Abstract: Successful COVID-19 vaccine promotion for the unvaccinated relies on increasing positive reactions but also reducing negative responses to persuasive messages. The current study examined the relative effects of narrative […]

Title: Researcher-Practitioner Partnership to Promote Safety of Asian Women: Effectiveness of a Community- based Intervention Funding Source: Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against […]

Hye Jin Yoon and Jeong-Yeob Han has been awarded the Faculty Seed Grants in the Sciences Program ($9,720) through The Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) for their proposed project Abstract: People have been found to […]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to revisit the Bud Light “Superstitions” campaign, for which we examined how superstitious fans’ inferences of manipulative intention might influence their responses to […]

Abstract: Scholars have adopted Street’s (2003) ecological model of communication in medical encounters to investigate the factors promoting patient participation in health care. However, factors demonstrated in the ecological model […]

Abstract: This study investigated if and how exposure to Facebook comments about vaccines influences one’s attitude toward the vaccines. In this investigation, comments were examined in light of their effect […]

Paper to be presented to American Advertising Academy (AAA) conference, San Diego, CA. Abstract: Given the prevalent use of social media in disseminating public service announcements (PSAs) encouraging healthy behavior, […]

Abstract: This study investigated if and how exposure to Facebook comments about vaccines influences one’s attitude toward the vaccines. In this investigation, comments were examined in light of their effect […]

Abstract: Recent studies have devoted attention to the effects of both expression and reception in communication process. However, there remain both theoretical and methodological complexities concerning whether and under what […]

The Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) Faculty Seed Grant Program in support of “Primary Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence in Immigrant Communities: Development of a Social Marketing Strategy” – […]

Jeong-Yeob Han has won the 2019 Enzaim Best Article Award from Korea Health Communication Association (KHCA), in recognition of the article published in the journal Health Communication Research:  “Co-presence in Gamified […]

Abstract: Recent studies have devoted attention to the effects of both expression and reception in communication process. However, there remain both theoretical and methodological complexities concerning whether and under what […]

Abstract: According to studies on the impact of comments on the false consensus effect, exposure to other people’s reactions can elicit misperceptions, in turn influencing message acceptance. We investigated whether […]

Abstract: Recognizing that social media has become an important place for individuals to acquire vaccine-related information, this study investigated if and how user-generated comments on social media platforms influence individuals’ […]

Abstract: Recognizing that social media has become an important place for individuals to acquire vaccine-related information, this study investigated if and how exposure to user-generated comments in social media platforms […]

Abstract: Despite the popularity of gamified geosocial fitness applications, there are only a few empirical studies examining their effectiveness in promoting physical activity. This study proposes co-presence, which combines spatial […]

Michael A. Cacciatore (2023, March). “Depictions of Science in Media & Resulting Opinion Formation,” Invited presentation to the American Physical Society Forum on Outreach and Engaging the Public (Session Focus: […]

McKasy, M., Yeo, S. K., Zhang, J. S., Michael A. Cacciatore, Allen, H. W., & Su, L. Y.-F. (2022, December). “Social endorsement, credibility, and support for the regulation of research […]

Alexandra Frank, Michael A. Cacciatore, Yeo, S.K., & Su, L. Y.-F. (2023, May). “Legitimate and appropriate science communication: The effects of anthropomorphic and satirical humor on source credibility.” Paper presentation […]

Juan Meng, Pan, P., & Michael A. Cacciatore (2023). “The integrated role of adaptive leadership, sense of empathy, and communication transparency: A novel approach to trust building in public relations.” […]

Michael A. Cacciatore, Yeo, S. K., Becker, A. B., & Anderson, A. A. (2023, May). “Cultivating interest in science through humor: Mirth as a leveler of gaps in science engagement,” […]

Yeo, S. K., Su, L. Y.-F., Michael A. Cacciatore, Zhang, J. S., & McKasy, M. (in press). “The differential effects of science humor on three scientific issues: Global warming, artificial […]

Yeo, S. K., Becker, A. B., Michael A. Cacciatore, Anderson, A. A., & Patel, K. (in press). “Humor can increase perceived communicator effectiveness regardless of race, gender, and expertise—If you’re […]

Glen J. Nowak and Michael A. Cacciatore, “State of Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States,” forthcoming, in an upcoming issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America, a journal that provides […]

Allen, H. W., Su, L. Y.-F., Gong, Z., Yeo, S. K., Cacciatore, M.A. “How metrics, perceived popularity, and perceived credibility affect information sharing intentions: A serial mediation model.” Paper presentation at […]

Michael Cacciatore. “Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about Biological Threats.” Invited workshop participant at the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee for Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about […]

Michael Cacciatore (2022, April). Invited keynote speaker at the Department of Life Sciences Communication Scholarship Reception at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, April 2022. Talk Summary: Provided opening remarks […]

Michael Cacciatore (2022, April). “Considerations Surrounding Misinformation about Energy.” Invited presentation to the International Symposium on Public Opinion of Nuclear Energy and Other Energy Sources at Nanyang Technological University, online, April […]

Michael Cacciatore “Engaging Audiences Online: Humor as a Tool for Science Communication.” Invited keynote presentation to the Public Online Engagement with Science Information (POESI) workshop at the Technology University of Braunschweig […]

Glen Nowak is a co-Principal Investigator on a $1 million National Science Foundation Development Grant supported under NSF’s Phase 1 funding for projects involving Predictive Intelligence for Pandemic Prevention. This […]

Abstract: The objective of this project is to create more reliable infectious disease models that are informed by social science regarding health-related preferences, perceptions and intentions/behaviors. This project will design […]

Abstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from a […]

Abstract: Widely accepted public health actions and recommendations, particularly those related to vaccines, are critical to U.S. and global responses to infectious disease pandemics, such as COVID-19. Drawing from nationally […]

Abstract: This study investigated PR professionals’ attention to and perceptions of cybersecurity, and their involvement in handling cybersecurity incidents. Preliminary findings include that practitioners in the US and Canada did […]

Abstract: Scientists have long incorporated humor into their communication, whether it be in informal presentations or peer-reviewed journal articles. Though it seems evident that humor could make stodgy scientific writing […]

Abstract: Science communicators have been encouraged to use humor in their online engagement efforts. Yet, humor’s effectiveness for engaging people with science remains an open question. We report the results […]

Abstract: A summary of the public opinion research on misinformation in the realm of science/health reveals inconsistencies in how the term has been defined and operationalized. A diverse set of […]

Abstract: This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]

Abstract:  This study investigates the types of humor embedded in funny scientific posts on social media and their effects on engagement. We mapped the landscape of such posts on Twitter […]

Invited panelist at the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee for Addressing Inaccurate and Misleading Information about Biological Threats through Scientific Collaboration and Communication, online. Dr. Cacciatore served […]

Abstract This research is motivated to advance our understanding of measurement challenges in communication practice and coping strategies from a global perspective. To do so, we relied on data from […]

PIs: Adam Dylewski (PBS Digital Studios; Project PI); Sara K. Yeo (University of Utah; Co-PI); Michael A. Cacciatore (University of Georgia; Co-PI) Funding Source: National Science Foundation (#DRL-2120006) Total Amount: […]

Michael Cacciatore and Glen Nowak are part of a $2,974,744 five-year University of Georgia proposal submitted to the National Science Foundation to create a UGA Transdisplinary Earth System Science for […]

Glen Nowak, Michael Cacciatore, Bart Wojdynski, Glenna Read, and Itai Himelboim are part of a University of Georgia proposal submitted in response to a National Institutes of Health call for […]

Abstract: Emotional appeals are encouraged when engaging with public audiences. Yet, we lack evidence of the effectiveness of using such appeals in science communication. Here we present current research on […]

Abstract: Humor is an important conduit for public engagement with science that is often recommended for scientists looking to conduct communication activities despite relatively little empirical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness. […]

Abstract: While there is mounting evidence that humor can be an effective means of engaging publics, much remains to be learned about the contextual factors that shape how audiences receive […]

Abstract: The use of humor is increasingly advocated as a means of enhancing the effectiveness and visibility of science messages on social media. However, the influence of humorous scientific content […]

Abstract: Annual influenza vaccination has been recommended for all adults in the United States since 2010, but coverage estimates indicate that less than half of American adults complied during the […]

Abstract: While there is mounting evidence that humor can be an effective means of engaging publics, much remains to be learned about the contextual factors that shape how audiences receive […]

Abstract: This work summarizes the misinformation literature in the context of science and health. The public opinion work in this space reveals inconsistencies in how the term has been defined […]

Abstract: This presentation is a broad overview of the issue of misinformation as it relates to public understanding of science and the communication of scientific information with public audiences. The […]

Abstract: Given the role the Internet plays in communicating anti-vaccine sentiments, coupled with limited research in this area, this study focused on the social media platform Pinterest, analyzing 1,119 vaccine-related […]

Abstract: Given their influence and visibility, understanding how news media cover topics involving medicines and how they provide information to their target audiences is essential when it comes to medicinal […]

Abstract: This study examined otherization framing of people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa in American print news from 1987-2007. The results of a content analysis of a representative sample of […]

Abstract: While it seems intuitive that highly visible vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks should impact perceptions of disease risk and facilitate vaccination, few empirical studies exist to confirm or dispel these beliefs. […]

Abstract: Glaxo Smith Kline’s Cervarix was the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine licensed for use in China in July 2016 and officially launched there on July 31, 2017. Since news […]

Abstract: With social networking site (SNS) use now ubiquitous in American culture, researchers have started paying attention to its effects in a variety of domains. This study explores the relationships […]

Haley R. Hatfield (PhD student), Hao, H., Zhang, J., Matthew Klein (PhD student), Fu, Y., Jaemin Kim (PhD student), Jongmin Lee (PhD student), and Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn. (2023). Composition of and Collaboration Among Communication Scholars in […]

Dwivedi Y. K. et al., including Jooyoung Kim and Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn (published), “Metaverse Marketing: How the metaverse will shape the future of consumer research and practice.” Psychology & […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Children’s cognitive abilities in the metaverse – what do they know and when. Invited panelist at the Federal Trade Commission event, Protecting Kids from Stealth Advertising in […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Holistic Ecosystem for Wellness (HEW) for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Invited Keynote Speech, How COVID has Changed Health Communication: A New Path Forward, University of Minnesota, […]

Schmidt, Michael, Stephen Rathbun, Kyle Johnsen, Eric Novotny (Grady Postdoctoral Research Associate), Lindsay Hahn (former Grady Postdoctoral Research Associate) & Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn (in press). Agreement between Fitbit and ActiGraph estimates of physical activity […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Jooyoung Kim, & Jaemin Kim (Grady PhD student) (in press). The future of advertising in virtual, augmented, and extended realities. International Journal of Advertising.  Abstract: The ever-changing media environment […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn (PI), 2022-2023, “Positive Youth Development in the Metaverse – Development of a Virtual Reality Afterschool Program for Middle Childhood Youth,” Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance […]

Haley R. Hatfield (PhD student) and Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, “Do Black Lives Matter in the Empathy Machine? Creating a Shared Reality to Disrupt Whiteness with Immersive 360-Degree Videos” Abstract: The […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, “Designing and scaling XR programs for community-level health interventions.” 2022 Network Seminar Series, Korea University Anam Hospital Research Division, Seoul, South Korea, July 27, 2022.

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, “A communication-centered approach to investigating extended realities and the metaverse.” Invited talk to the UPS Global Communications Team, Atlanta, GA, August 9, 2022.

Eric Novotny (Grady postdoctoral research associate), Joomi Lee (Grady postdoctoral research associate) & Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn (in press). “Virtual reality as human machine communication.” In A. Guzman, R. McEwen, & S. Jones […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Kristine Nowak & Jeremy Bailenson (2022). “Unintended consequences of spatial presence on learning in virtual reality.” Computers & Education, doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104532 Abstract: Research on virtual reality (VR) in education […]

Ivanka Pjesivac, Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Solyee Kim (former PhD student) & Andrea Briscoe (current PhD student) (in press). “360-degree journalism as a gateway to information seeking: The role of enjoyment and spatial presence.” Journalism Practice. Advance online […]

Haley Hatfield (PhD student), Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Matthew Klein (PhD student) & Kristine Nowak (in press). “Confronting whiteness through virtual humans: A review of 20 years of research in prejudice and racial bias […]

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Jooyoung Kim & Jaemin Kim (Grady PhD student) (in press). “The bifold triadic relationships framework: A theoretical primer for advertising research in the metaverse.” Journal of Advertising, 50th […]

2022 AEJMC Collaborative Scholars Grant Recipients – Haley R. Hatfield (PhD student) and Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn received a $2,000 grant for “Do Black Lives Matter in the Empathy Machine? […]

Jihoon Kim (Grady PhD alum), Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, and Jooyoung Kim. “Virtual Reality Experience in Tourism Advertising: Roles of Immersion and Advertising Engagement.” Presented at the American Academy of Advertising (AAA) Annual Conference, […]

Kate Fortmueller (2022). “Pandemic Soundstage: Policy and Reality in Hollywood’s Return to Work” Essential: Global Film and Television Production During the Pandemic. April 9-11. Tulane University. New Orleans, LA. https://express.adobe.com/page/ZPOFOt9Mwpd9x/ Abstract: […]

Jooyoung Kim (March 24). Advertising in the Metaverse. Panelist at the half-day American of Academy of Advertising pre-conference, which was designed and led by Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn.

International Conference Association (ICA) “Top Paper Award: Haley Hatfield and Grace Ahn’s paper “Do Black Lives Matter in the Empathy Machine? Investigating Whiteness and Immersion on Creating a Shared Reality […]

Abstract: The summer of 2020 brought increased participation and support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement following accounts of police use of lethal force toward Black citizens. As protests […]

Abstract: Building favorable destination image and evoking positive feelings toward tourism ads are essential to the success of destination marketing in the competitive tourism business environment. The current study investigated […]

Lee, Joomi (Grady postdoctoral research associate), Ahn, Sun Joo (Grace), Wu, D., Lin, J.-H., & Kim, Jooyoung. (2021). A second chance to protect yourself and others: The impact of interactivity and efficacy messages […]

Abstract: The global COVID-19 pandemic forced all large in-person events to pivot to virtual or online platforms. IEEEVR2020 coincided with rising concerns and restrictions on travel and large gatherings, becoming […]

Abstract: Crises, whether society-wide or personal, are endemic to the human condition. Yet academia and its associated institutions persist in having insufficient scaffolding to support its members during periods of crisis. No one […]

Abstract: The open science (OS) movement has advocated for increased transparency in certain aspects of research. Communication is taking its first steps towards OS as some journals have adopted OS […]

Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) tourism provides individuals with a brief, but realistic, preview of travel destinations. Despite the increasing popularity of VR tourism in destination advertising, outcomes and underlying mechanisms of […]

Smink, Anne R. (former Grady visiting doctoral student), Hahn, Lindsay (former Grady postdoctoral research associate), Trude, Bryan (Grady doctoral student), & Ahn, Sun Joo (Grace) (2021). Embodied congruence as a framework for understanding user experiences with immersive […]

Hatfield, Haley (Grady doctoral student), Ahn, Sun Joo (Grace), Klein, Matthew (Grady doctoral student), & Nowak, K. N. (2021). Confronting whiteness through virtual humans: A systematic review of 20 years of research in prejudice […]

PIs and Co-PIs: Matthew Browning (Multiple PI, Clemson University), Jill Gambill (Co-PI, University of Georgia) Funding Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Total Amount:  $499,931 Project period: 2 years […]

Abstract: Only one-third of adults 18 to 49 years old in the United States receive a recommended annual influenza vaccination. This study examined whether supplementing vaccine information statements (VIS) with […]

Poster presented at the World Congress of Pain of the International Association for the Study of Pain, September 12-16, Boston, MA.

Abstract: This chapter explores how video games interact with individual characteristics to afford unique opportunities for behavior change. It first considers how video games differ from traditional media, and more […]

Abstract: Embodied experiences in virtual reality (VR) involves the reproduction of sufficiently realistic sensory information so that users are able to see, hear, and feel experiences as if they are […]

Abstract: Virtual simulations allow users to feel and manipulate objects as they would in the physical world. Guided by exemplification theory and risk communication research, a virtual exemplar was developed […]

Abstract: Although previous research has shown that individuals take on aspects of the avatars they embody in virtual environments, studies have not yet tested whether this phenomenon, known as the […]

Abstract: Gamification is an increasingly popular form of health intervention but its efficacy remains elusive due to a lack of clarity in its conceptualization and operationalization. This study aimed to […]

Abstract: Virtual simulations allow individuals to concretely view future negative health consequences of present dietary choices. Integrating exemplification theory with risk communication research, the effect of using virtual simulations to […]