Research
Research
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Digital Technologies and Well-being
Digital Technologies and Well-being
My research examines how social media, AI, and mobile technologies shape mental health and well-being. Rather than viewing technology as simply helpful or harmful, I study how its effects depend on people’s social relationships, cultural contexts, and everyday practices. In particular, I explore how people use digital technologies to seek support, manage stress, build resilience, and maintain meaningful connections.
Selected publications
Zhang, R., Meng, H., Neubronner, M., & Lee, Y. C. (2025). Computational and ethical considerations for using large language models in psychotherapy. Nature Computational Science, 5(10), 854-862. [link]
Zhang, R., et al. (2025). The dark side of AI companionship: A taxonomy of harmful algorithmic behaviors in human-AI relationships. Proceedings of the 2025 ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [link]
Zhang, R. (2017). The stress-buffering effect of self-disclosure on Facebook: An examination of stressful life events, social support, and mental health among college students. [link]
Online Disclosure, Privacy, and Support
Online Disclosure, Privacy, and Support
As people increasingly share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences online, they also face challenges such as privacy risks and unintended audiences. My research examines why people disclose personal information online, how platform features and social contexts shape this sharing, and what effects it has on relationships and well-being. This work offers insights into how digital platforms can support meaningful connections while better protecting users’ privacy and emotional safety.
Selected publications
Zhang, R., Li, H., Chen, A., Liu, Z., & Lee, Y.C. (2024). AI Privacy in Context: A Comparative Study of Public and Institutional Discourse on Conversational AI Privacy in the US and China. Social Media + Society. [link]
Zhang, R., Bazarova, N. N., & Reddy, M. (2021). Distress disclosure across social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic: Untangling the effects of platforms, affordances, and audiences. Proceedings of the 2021 ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [link]
Zhang, R., & Fu, J. S. (2020). Privacy management and self-disclosure on social network sites: The moderating effects of stress and gender. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 25(3), 236-251. [link]
Digital Mental Health Interventions
Digital Mental Health Interventions
My research examines how mobile apps, wearable devices, and AI tools can support mental health and well-being. Rather than asking only whether these technologies work, I study how and why they influence users’ experiences. Using mixed methods, I explore how digital interventions can be designed to provide personalized support, sustain engagement, and promote emotional well-being in practical and meaningful ways.
Selected publications
Zhang, R., Ringland, … & Reddy, M. (2021). Designing for emotional well-being: Integrating persuasion and customization into mental health technologies. Proceedings of the 2021 ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [link]
Zhang, R., Nicholas, J., … & Mohr, D. C. (2019). Clinically meaningful use of mental health apps and its effects on depression: Mixed methods study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(12), e15644. [link]
Social Networks and Social Connections
Social Networks and Social Connections
This line of work examines how people’s social networks shape health, well-being, and access to support across online and offline settings. It investigates how network structure, cultural context, and digital media use influence the availability and quality of social support—from online depression communities to the personal networks of older adults. Together, these studies show that health outcomes are not determined by technology use alone, but by how digital platforms reorganize relationships, resources, and autonomy within people’s broader social worlds.
Selected publications
Zhang, R., & Fu, J. S. (2021). Linking network characteristics of online social networks to individual health: A systematic review of literature. Health Communication, 36 (12), 1549-1559.
Zhang, R., Eschler, J., & Reddy, M. (2018). Online support groups for depression in China: culturally shaped interactions and motivations. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), 27(3), 327–354.
Wang, H., Zhang, R., & Wellman, B. (2018). Are older adults networked individuals? Insights from East Yorkers’ network structure, relational autonomy, and digital media use. Information, Communication & Society, 21(5), 681–696.
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