Media Psychology Lab
@mediapsychologylab.bsky.social
KU Leuven, Department of Communication Science, Media Psychology Lab; researchers interested in the academic and fundamental study of media uses and effects
@lisemarienassen.bsky.social spoke with @vtmnieuws.be about a Harvard study showing that social media detox can benefit well-being
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/7CJ59...
With @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social she also discussed teens' disconnection habits in @standaard.be
📰 www.standaard.be/binnenland/l...
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/7CJ59...
With @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social she also discussed teens' disconnection habits in @standaard.be
📰 www.standaard.be/binnenland/l...
November 28, 2025 at 8:13 AM
@lisemarienassen.bsky.social spoke with @vtmnieuws.be about a Harvard study showing that social media detox can benefit well-being
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/7CJ59...
With @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social she also discussed teens' disconnection habits in @standaard.be
📰 www.standaard.be/binnenland/l...
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/7CJ59...
With @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social she also discussed teens' disconnection habits in @standaard.be
📰 www.standaard.be/binnenland/l...
Parasocial has been named the Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
@lauravandenbosch.bsky.social was invited to @vrtnws.be Laat to unpack what parasocial interactions really are and why they’ve become so central in our increasingly digital media landscape
📺Watch: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/v...
@lauravandenbosch.bsky.social was invited to @vrtnws.be Laat to unpack what parasocial interactions really are and why they’ve become so central in our increasingly digital media landscape
📺Watch: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/v...
November 20, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Parasocial has been named the Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
@lauravandenbosch.bsky.social was invited to @vrtnws.be Laat to unpack what parasocial interactions really are and why they’ve become so central in our increasingly digital media landscape
📺Watch: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/v...
@lauravandenbosch.bsky.social was invited to @vrtnws.be Laat to unpack what parasocial interactions really are and why they’ve become so central in our increasingly digital media landscape
📺Watch: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/v...
We had the honor of hosting Prof. Erica Scharrer from the @umassamherst.bsky.social! During her visit, she delivered inspiring lectures for our Master’s students and research department on 'Sephora Kids', social media, aging anxiety, and skincare consumer behavior, sparking interesting discussions
November 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We had the honor of hosting Prof. Erica Scharrer from the @umassamherst.bsky.social! During her visit, she delivered inspiring lectures for our Master’s students and research department on 'Sephora Kids', social media, aging anxiety, and skincare consumer behavior, sparking interesting discussions
Our postdoctoral researcher @gonzalezanaelle.bsky.social won 3rd place at the One Health Day Art & Photography Competition by #OneHealthInstitution for her poem–collage The Object.
The piece reflects on how screens & social media connect and distance us from ourselves, others, and our environments.
The piece reflects on how screens & social media connect and distance us from ourselves, others, and our environments.
November 5, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Our postdoctoral researcher @gonzalezanaelle.bsky.social won 3rd place at the One Health Day Art & Photography Competition by #OneHealthInstitution for her poem–collage The Object.
The piece reflects on how screens & social media connect and distance us from ourselves, others, and our environments.
The piece reflects on how screens & social media connect and distance us from ourselves, others, and our environments.
We were delighted to host Alfredo Zarco Alpuente (University of Valencia) for a research stay! Hosted by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social, he and @jasminarosic.bsky.social examined the views of parents, teachers, and coaches on young athletes' digital well-being. Best of luck with your PhD, Alfredo!
November 2, 2025 at 1:48 PM
We were delighted to host Alfredo Zarco Alpuente (University of Valencia) for a research stay! Hosted by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social, he and @jasminarosic.bsky.social examined the views of parents, teachers, and coaches on young athletes' digital well-being. Best of luck with your PhD, Alfredo!
Our PhD student @margotlissens.bsky.social returned from a research stay with @desireeschmuck.bsky.social at the @vmci-univie.bsky.social. She worked on an ongoing project and participated in the symposium “How Digital Interventions Affect Political Attitudes and Knowledge among Young Citizens”.
October 15, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Our PhD student @margotlissens.bsky.social returned from a research stay with @desireeschmuck.bsky.social at the @vmci-univie.bsky.social. She worked on an ongoing project and participated in the symposium “How Digital Interventions Affect Political Attitudes and Knowledge among Young Citizens”.
🎓Congratulations to @jasminarosic.bsky.social for defending her PhD: “Growing up in a digital world: Understanding the perceived positive experiences of digital media use among (disadvantaged) adolescents” supervised by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social & Bojana Lobe, and funded by @erc.europa.eu.
September 30, 2025 at 3:17 PM
🎓Congratulations to @jasminarosic.bsky.social for defending her PhD: “Growing up in a digital world: Understanding the perceived positive experiences of digital media use among (disadvantaged) adolescents” supervised by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social & Bojana Lobe, and funded by @erc.europa.eu.
🎓Last Monday, @gonzalezanaelle.bsky.social successfully defended her PhD dissertation “Politics Undercover: Understanding the role of social media personalities in adolescents’ development of the political self,” supervised by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social and funded by @erc.europa.eu👏Congrats!
September 30, 2025 at 3:04 PM
🎓Last Monday, @gonzalezanaelle.bsky.social successfully defended her PhD dissertation “Politics Undercover: Understanding the role of social media personalities in adolescents’ development of the political self,” supervised by @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social and funded by @erc.europa.eu👏Congrats!
We attended the @digisoc.bsky.social International Conference for an Inclusive Digital Society in Leuven.👏@robynvanherle.bsky.social (co-)presented 2 mHealth studies, 1 with @svestkova-ady.bsky.social, @irtis.bsky.social. @luca-carbone.bsky.social presented on meritocratic masculinities in music.
September 18, 2025 at 7:06 AM
We attended the @digisoc.bsky.social International Conference for an Inclusive Digital Society in Leuven.👏@robynvanherle.bsky.social (co-)presented 2 mHealth studies, 1 with @svestkova-ady.bsky.social, @irtis.bsky.social. @luca-carbone.bsky.social presented on meritocratic masculinities in music.
Last week @ines-b.bsky.social & @laraschreurs.bsky.social took part in the 14th Media Psych Conference in Duisburg. Ines presented their study on parental mediation of children’s digital media and participated in the pre-conference doctoral workshop. Thanks to the organizers for the inspiring days!
September 17, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Last week @ines-b.bsky.social & @laraschreurs.bsky.social took part in the 14th Media Psych Conference in Duisburg. Ines presented their study on parental mediation of children’s digital media and participated in the pre-conference doctoral workshop. Thanks to the organizers for the inspiring days!
Yesterday, our Lab joined Eetexpert’s Kennisdag on youth body satisfaction. @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social shared new findings on social media and body perception, while @nelejanssens.bsky.social & @laurededecker.bsky.social presented media parenting practices. Thanks, Eetexpert for an inspiring day!
September 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Yesterday, our Lab joined Eetexpert’s Kennisdag on youth body satisfaction. @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social shared new findings on social media and body perception, while @nelejanssens.bsky.social & @laurededecker.bsky.social presented media parenting practices. Thanks, Eetexpert for an inspiring day!
✨ We’re wrapping up our writing retreat—reflecting on our work from the past year and recharging with fresh ideas. Feeling inspired and ready to the new academic year ahead!
September 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
✨ We’re wrapping up our writing retreat—reflecting on our work from the past year and recharging with fresh ideas. Feeling inspired and ready to the new academic year ahead!
📺 Prof. @kathbeullens.bsky.social (KU Leuven) in De Afspraak over het #smartphoneverbod in het onderwijs.
Hoe vullen scholen dit in? Hoe controleer je naleving? En: helpt het écht tegen schermverslaving?
👉 Herbekijk via VRT Max: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/d...
Hoe vullen scholen dit in? Hoe controleer je naleving? En: helpt het écht tegen schermverslaving?
👉 Herbekijk via VRT Max: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/d...
September 3, 2025 at 12:59 PM
📺 Prof. @kathbeullens.bsky.social (KU Leuven) in De Afspraak over het #smartphoneverbod in het onderwijs.
Hoe vullen scholen dit in? Hoe controleer je naleving? En: helpt het écht tegen schermverslaving?
👉 Herbekijk via VRT Max: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/d...
Hoe vullen scholen dit in? Hoe controleer je naleving? En: helpt het écht tegen schermverslaving?
👉 Herbekijk via VRT Max: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/d...
🎉Great news from our team: our PhD student Esmée Mooren has received the University Study Prize from Radboud University Nijmegen for her master’s thesis “They have made me prouder”: A generational perspective on the collective histories and future of lesbian representation.
www.ru.nl/en/about-us/...
www.ru.nl/en/about-us/...
September 2, 2025 at 8:52 AM
🎉Great news from our team: our PhD student Esmée Mooren has received the University Study Prize from Radboud University Nijmegen for her master’s thesis “They have made me prouder”: A generational perspective on the collective histories and future of lesbian representation.
www.ru.nl/en/about-us/...
www.ru.nl/en/about-us/...
🌞 Here’s a look back at the research our team and valued collaborators published during summer 2025.
September 1, 2025 at 8:30 AM
🌞 Here’s a look back at the research our team and valued collaborators published during summer 2025.
Doctor with a Green Voice: Dr. Dekoninck successfully defended her PhD!🎓
We are thrilled to announce that @heleendekoninck.bsky.social from our lab has successfully defended her PhD in July!
Read more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/dr-...
We are thrilled to announce that @heleendekoninck.bsky.social from our lab has successfully defended her PhD in July!
Read more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/dr-...
July 9, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Doctor with a Green Voice: Dr. Dekoninck successfully defended her PhD!🎓
We are thrilled to announce that @heleendekoninck.bsky.social from our lab has successfully defended her PhD in July!
Read more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/dr-...
We are thrilled to announce that @heleendekoninck.bsky.social from our lab has successfully defended her PhD in July!
Read more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/dr-...
Two major projects from the Media Psychology Lab are coming to an end: MIMIc Project and #SmokeFree Project. On October 25, we will organize a study day in Leuven to share insights and practical tools from the projects. Join us! Participation is free, but registration is required.
June 24, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Two major projects from the Media Psychology Lab are coming to an end: MIMIc Project and #SmokeFree Project. On October 25, we will organize a study day in Leuven to share insights and practical tools from the projects. Join us! Participation is free, but registration is required.
📍 Proud of our strong presence at #ICA2025 in Denver!
Our lab members presented research on mobile media, identity, digital well-being, political influencers & more.
👏 Congrats to all presenters!
📄 Full overview: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/ica-2025...
Our lab members presented research on mobile media, identity, digital well-being, political influencers & more.
👏 Congrats to all presenters!
📄 Full overview: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/ica-2025...
June 19, 2025 at 12:12 PM
📍 Proud of our strong presence at #ICA2025 in Denver!
Our lab members presented research on mobile media, identity, digital well-being, political influencers & more.
👏 Congrats to all presenters!
📄 Full overview: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/ica-2025...
Our lab members presented research on mobile media, identity, digital well-being, political influencers & more.
👏 Congrats to all presenters!
📄 Full overview: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/ica-2025...
PhD researchers from our lab were recognized with Top Paper Awards at #ICA2025!
🔹 @elienbeelen.bsky.social – Trigger warnings & media effects
🔹 @margotlissens.bsky.social – Gen Z news consumption
🔹 @darianharff.bsky.social – Trust in political influencers
See more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/phd...
🔹 @elienbeelen.bsky.social – Trigger warnings & media effects
🔹 @margotlissens.bsky.social – Gen Z news consumption
🔹 @darianharff.bsky.social – Trust in political influencers
See more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/phd...
June 19, 2025 at 12:10 PM
PhD researchers from our lab were recognized with Top Paper Awards at #ICA2025!
🔹 @elienbeelen.bsky.social – Trigger warnings & media effects
🔹 @margotlissens.bsky.social – Gen Z news consumption
🔹 @darianharff.bsky.social – Trust in political influencers
See more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/phd...
🔹 @elienbeelen.bsky.social – Trigger warnings & media effects
🔹 @margotlissens.bsky.social – Gen Z news consumption
🔹 @darianharff.bsky.social – Trust in political influencers
See more: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/phd...
Postdocs in the spotlight at #ICA2025
🔹 @luca-carbone.bsky.social won the Top Dissertation Award (CAM Division) for their work on success narratives in music.
🔹 @femkekonings.bsky.social received the Top Poster Award for her study on sexualized self-presentation on dating apps.
Congrats to both!
🔹 @luca-carbone.bsky.social won the Top Dissertation Award (CAM Division) for their work on success narratives in music.
🔹 @femkekonings.bsky.social received the Top Poster Award for her study on sexualized self-presentation on dating apps.
Congrats to both!
June 19, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Postdocs in the spotlight at #ICA2025
🔹 @luca-carbone.bsky.social won the Top Dissertation Award (CAM Division) for their work on success narratives in music.
🔹 @femkekonings.bsky.social received the Top Poster Award for her study on sexualized self-presentation on dating apps.
Congrats to both!
🔹 @luca-carbone.bsky.social won the Top Dissertation Award (CAM Division) for their work on success narratives in music.
🔹 @femkekonings.bsky.social received the Top Poster Award for her study on sexualized self-presentation on dating apps.
Congrats to both!
We are proud to share that Prof. @kathbeullens.bsky.social received the Senior Scholar Award from ICA’s Children, Adolescents, and Media Division!
Honored for her impactful research, leadership, and dedication to mentorship.
A well-deserved recognition!
Honored for her impactful research, leadership, and dedication to mentorship.
A well-deserved recognition!
June 19, 2025 at 12:06 PM
We are proud to share that Prof. @kathbeullens.bsky.social received the Senior Scholar Award from ICA’s Children, Adolescents, and Media Division!
Honored for her impactful research, leadership, and dedication to mentorship.
A well-deserved recognition!
Honored for her impactful research, leadership, and dedication to mentorship.
A well-deserved recognition!
We proudly share that Professor @laraschreurs.bsky.social has received the 2025 KU Leuven Research Council Prize for the Humanities & Social Sciences!🏆 This award recognizes her theoretical and empirical work and community-driven interventions to empower adolescents in their social media literacy
June 2, 2025 at 7:47 PM
We proudly share that Professor @laraschreurs.bsky.social has received the 2025 KU Leuven Research Council Prize for the Humanities & Social Sciences!🏆 This award recognizes her theoretical and empirical work and community-driven interventions to empower adolescents in their social media literacy
New season, new publications! 🌸 Here's what our research group has published in March and April 2025: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/med...
June 2, 2025 at 8:21 AM
New season, new publications! 🌸 Here's what our research group has published in March and April 2025: soc.kuleuven.be/smc/news/med...
@svestkova-ady.bsky.social finished her 3-month stay from @irtis.bsky.social. She worked on a longitudinal study on adolescent mHealth app use & wellbeing with @kathbeullens.bsky.social [email protected] and led a seminar on how we navigate health online. Excited for future collaborations!
May 30, 2025 at 2:13 PM
@svestkova-ady.bsky.social finished her 3-month stay from @irtis.bsky.social. She worked on a longitudinal study on adolescent mHealth app use & wellbeing with @kathbeullens.bsky.social [email protected] and led a seminar on how we navigate health online. Excited for future collaborations!
At the insightful MediaNest Study Day @mediawijs.bsky.social, @nelejanssens.bsky.social, @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social, @kathbeullens.bsky.social, Mariek Vanden Abeele, @laraschreurs.bsky.social shared findings on media parenting, youth's media use, and social media literacy tool Vibe Check.
May 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
At the insightful MediaNest Study Day @mediawijs.bsky.social, @nelejanssens.bsky.social, @lauravandenbosch.bsky.social, @kathbeullens.bsky.social, Mariek Vanden Abeele, @laraschreurs.bsky.social shared findings on media parenting, youth's media use, and social media literacy tool Vibe Check.