Jesse Fox Ph.D.

About

Jesse Fox earned her M.A. in communication at University of Arizona and her Ph.D. at Stanford University. During her Ph.D., she worked at Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab. Currently she is an assistant professor at The Ohio State University and director of the Virtual Environment, Communication Technology, and Online Research (VECTOR) Lab. A media scholar, her research investigates many aspects of communication technologies. In the area of virtual environments, she is primarily interested in using VEs to promote prosocial behavior (exercise, diet, environmental behavior, etc.) She also investigates the effects of agents and avatars In the area of social media, her main focus is the role of social networking sites in romantic relationship escalation, maintenance, and dissolution.

Recent Posts

Your New Year’s Resolution: Put the Phone Away

Are you resolving to be a better person this year? Build a new relationship? Increase your work performance? Enhance your creativity? There's one simple step that can help you achieve all of these things: controlling the distracting devices that are interfering with your goals. Learn why it's important to put your phone away and focus on what matters.

Why the Online Trolls Troll

The online context often leads people to perceive communication differently than in face-to-face interactions.

Why Exes Aren't So "Ex" Anymore

After a breakup, it's important to assess whether social media are helping or hindering your recovery. Here are tips for healthy social media use in the wake of a breakup.

Romantic Attachment and the Dangers of Social Media

Our attachment style predicts our behavior in romantic relationships as well has how we use technology. Determine your attachment style and get tips on how to use—and not use—social media in your romantic relationship.

Can a Virtual Environment Make You an Environmentalist?

Ever thought that a video game or virtual world would make you an environmentalist? Cutting down a tree in this virtual forest may make you save paper in the real world. New research shows how emerging technologies can be used to encourage prosocial behavior like conserving paper.

Technology Use During the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a time of togetherness with friends and family, but technology often seems to intervene. Use these tips to keep technology under control during your shared holiday time so everyone can be in the moment and enjoy each other's company. Also, find suggestions for working technology into new, fun holiday traditions.

The Hidden Danger of Social Networks

People have a tendency to compare themselves to others. Social networking sites like Facebook give us endless opportunities for social comparison. The problem is that we compare our everyday lives to others' edited versions on Facebook. Seeing others' selective self-presentation of their best selves on Facebook can make us feel dissatisfied with our own lives.

The Rules Every Couple Needs to Set

Conflict can occur when romantic partners have different ideas about the appropriate use of mobile phones.