16/01/2026 (Friday) 13:00-14:00 E21-G002
The Body Never Lies? Psychophysiological Response, Self-Report, and Behavior as Indices of Media Effects and User Experience
Abstract:
Are self-reported surveys, behavioral logs, and psychophysiological measures truly reliable indicators of media effects and user experience? In this talk, Mingxuan will share her studies on the divergence and convergence between psychophysiological responses (such as heart rate, skin conductance, and facial muscle activity), self-reports, and digital trace data across various situations. Spoiler alert: Each of these indices offers valuable and unique insights into the inner workings of the human mind. By examining all three, we can gain a more complete and authentic understanding of how people think, feel, and behave.
Bio:
Mingxuan Liu (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at University of Macau. Her research seeks to explore what digital technologies reveal about who we are and how the design of digital technologies shapes our health and well-being. Most of Mingxuan’s work leverages digital trace data to make causal inference on changes in user behavior. Her work has appeared in flagship journals in communication and media studies, such as Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, New Media & Society, Media Psychology, Health Communication, among others.
