Jan-Philipp Stein

Dr. rer. nat. Jan-Philipp Stein is a researcher at Chemnitz University of Technology, affiliated with the Institute for Media Research under the Chair of Media Psychology. His work explores the intersection of virtual and real social worlds through interdisciplinary research combining computer science and social science perspectives.

• Doctoral degree in Psychology (Dr. rer. nat.)
• Graduate degree: Diploma in Psychology (Dipl.-Psych.) from Dresden University of Technology (2012)

His research focuses on mind perception in digital environments, with particular interest in virtual reality, social cognition, cross-cultural psychology, stereotyping, and social media dynamics. Current projects examine human-robot interaction, emotion recognition systems, and the psychological impact of digital avatars.

Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a trajectory spanning artificial intelligence ethics, virtual agent perception, social media effects on body image, and cross-cultural stereotype analysis. Key themes include uncanny valley phenomena, parasocial interactions, mind attribution to machines, and digital communication's impact on social cognition.

• Scholarship of German National Academic Foundation
• MB21 German multimedia award for interactive web design (2006)

As member of the International Communication Association (ICA), Stein contributes to understanding how digital technologies reshape human sociality. His work addresses both opportunities and risks in media-mediated communication, with applications to virtual environments, social robotics, and digital health interventions.