Social media interaction and well-being during a public health crisis

Yvette Wohn, assistant professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology, examines how social media and mobile technologies are used for social support, which includes emotional, informational and financial support — managing both personal and professional relationships. 

Wohn‘s research area is in human-computer interaction (HCI) and computer-mediated communication. She studies the role of algorithms and social interactions in livestreaming, esports and social media and how they influence well-being.

Wohn is conducting research on how physical and social space influences the well-being and productivity of people living or working in enclosed spaces. Some of her experiments look at the effects of simulated nature via digital windows. As Wohn notes, "Seeing nature is important to maintain well-being. In a nutshell, seeing nature on a big screen, even if you know it is fake, can help elevate mood." 

Wohn is also the principal investigator of two NSF-funded projects examining the role of content moderators on social media, whose role is to keep online spaces positive and factual.

Wohn is available to speak with media on topics related to how people use different technologies and social media to connect during these times. To request an interview, click on the button below.