David Atkin

David Atkin is a Professor in the Department of Communication Education at the University of Connecticut (UConn). His research focuses on communication technology's societal impact, media policy, and digital media effects. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (1988) and has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Krieghbaum Under-40 Award and University Distinguished Research Award.

Atkin’s work emphasizes grant-supported studies on new media adoption, regulation, and audience behavior. Notable contributions include books like Communication Technology and Society and over 180 scholarly articles. His research spans media multitasking, online health misinformation, and digital divides, with a global perspective reflected in studies of China, South Korea, and Latin America.

• Research Interests: Communication technology, digital media policy, media effects on social change, audience expectations, and cross-cultural communication.
• Key Achievements: Top 1% most-cited scholar in Humanities/Social Sciences (Research.com 2022), prolific author ranked among communication discipline’s top scholars.

His recent work explores online scam vulnerability in aging populations, media multitasking effects, and the role of social media in political discourse. Atkin also leads the Communication and Social Equity (CASE) Research Lab, addressing societal challenges through communication innovation.

Awards:

• Krieghbaum Under-40 Award
• University Distinguished Research Award
• University Teaching Award

Grants & Advising: Active in grant-funded research projects; advises students through graduate courses like COMM 6895 (Digital Political Communication). His work bridges academic research with real-world policy implications, influencing media regulation and public health strategies.