On Monday, October 7, 2024, new Journalism faculty member Youjeong Kim joined the CIS seminar series to present her research on the effects of immersive new media. Her compelling talk, “Immersive and Inclusive: The Influence of Emerging Technology on Persuasion,” explored her work on avatars, virtual reality and generative AI.
Biography: Professor Kim’s primary research focus is on the effects of immersive new media, such as virtual environments and video games. These technologies have significantly impacted communication dynamics and lifestyles. Her research aims to provide theoretical insights into new media technologies, including interactivity and presence, to understand user behavior and enhance quality of life in health, education, and marketing. She also develops new media intervention programs for groups in need, such as older adults, obese children, and autistic children, to improve their well-being through innovative applications of interactive technologies.
Born and raised in South Korea, Professor Kim earned a Master’s in Public Relations from Kansas State University and a PhD in Mass Communications from Pennsylvania State University, and subsequently held Associate Professor positions in the Communication Arts Department at the New York Institute of Technology, and in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University before coming to UH in 2024.