Caitlin Veal

Caitlin Veal is an Academic Associate and Doctoral Researcher in Sociology at York St John University, focusing on digital cultures, online social spaces, and the social value of video games. She holds an MA in Sociology (by Research) from the University of York, where her work examined social norms around high-profile deaths on social media. Her PhD research investigates the social and spatial structure of online video game experiences, inspired by her role as a Research Assistant in the Interactive Games Research Group (IGRG). She has authored a lead-author paper on social interactions in young people's gaming experiences, targeting publication in the near future.

Her research interests include digital culture, online identity formation, and the educational/mental health benefits of video games. She contributes to the IGRG, exploring how digital environments shape social behaviors. No scientific awards are listed, though her work bridges sociology and digital humanities.

Veal’s academic journey includes a transition from studying contentious social media reactions to focusing on the sociological dimensions of gaming. Her current projects emphasize understanding how virtual spaces foster community and identity, with implications for youth engagement and mental health.