Dorothée Hefner

Dorothée Hefner is a researcher at the Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media. She previously held research roles at the University of Mannheim (2012–2015) and continues her work in digital media effects, mindfulness in technology use, and stress dynamics.

• Research focuses: Permanently Online/Connected (POPC), digital media literacy, interpersonal communication, environmental behavior, and technology-mediated stress
• Key contributions to mindfulness integration in mobile communication, FoMO dynamics, and online vigilance metrics

Her publications address digital stress, peer norms in smartphone use, and mindful interventions. Active in EU’s FUGA project and editorial roles, she co-founded Hanover University’s sustainability initiative.

Scientific Recognition

• Awarded Top Paper by ICA’s Political Communication Division (2008)
• Reviewer of the Year for the Journal of Media Psychology (2016, 2017)

She has advised on computational communication methods and served on expert groups like the Young Scholars Network on Media Use and Well-Being (2013–present).