Hi, I'm Pengfei!

I am Pengfei Zhao (pronounced PUNG-fay JOW), an assistant professor in communication & AI in the College of Communication and Information at Florida State University. I obtained my Ph.D. from the Department of Communication at Cornell University. 

My research focuses on the psychological and socio-technical processes and effects of emerging communication technology, such as social media and artificial intelligence (AI). I develop theory-driven and evidence-based interventions to reduce online harms, promote prosocial behaviors, and improve digital literacy. My current research spans three key themes: 1) understanding how moral behaviors from humans and AI shape community norms and dynamics in digital spaces, 2) advancing human–AI interaction for supportive communication and prosocial behaviors, and 3) examining the longitudinal effects of human-AI interaction on well-being. 

My work has been published in interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journals, including PNAS Nexus, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Current Opinion in Psychology, Computers in Human Behavior, Review of Education Research, and Journal of Adolescent Health. 

Methodologically, I primarily employ quantitative methods, including web-based behavioral experiments and longitudinal panel surveys, to draw causal inferences for my research. I also integrate computational techniques, such as web programming, machine learning, and natural language processing, into my research as complementary approaches. 

I’m always excited to connect with thoughtful collaborators who share similar research interests. If anything here interests you, let’s get in touch!