Zixue Tai

Zixue Tai is a Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (2004), an M.A. from the same institution (2001), and a B.A. from Shanghai International Studies University (1992). His primary research focuses on media psychology, digital communication, and societal impacts of technology in China. Tai has led research on topics such as smartphone addiction among youth, mental health during pandemics, and social media's role in information deserts.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Communication Studies, University of Minnesota, 2004
• M.A., Communication Studies, University of Minnesota, 2001
• B.A., Shanghai International Studies University, 1992

Key research areas include the psychological effects of technology, digital divides in China, and the sociocultural implications of media consumption. His recent work addresses how social media and smartphone use shape mental health, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tai has secured travel grants from the Confucius Institute to present at global conferences on media and communication research.