Ruben Renz

Ruben Renz is a Researcher at the Department of Media Psychology since January 2024. His work focuses on online privacy behavior, political microtargeting, and digital urban design. He holds a Master's degree in Communication Management and Analysis from the University of Hohenheim, where his thesis explored privacy literacy among youth in dealing with internet trackers.

Current roles include leading the DFG-funded project 'Political Online Microtargeting in the 2024 European Elections' in collaboration with the University of Mainz. Previously, he worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (2019–2023), developing digital tools for municipalities and contributing to smart city initiatives in Baden-Württemberg and Hesse.

His research integrates media psychology principles with practical applications in privacy advocacy and urban technology. Projects emphasize societal impacts of digital communication, particularly in political contexts and municipal governance.