Joris Van Ouytsel

Joris Van Ouytsel is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, holding dual appointments in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and the Sustainability Initiative. His research focuses on adolescent behavior in digital contexts, with a particular emphasis on sexting, cyber dating abuse, and the intersection of technology with romantic relationships and risk behaviors. He has conducted extensive studies on how social media influences friendships, jealousy, and conflict among early adolescents, as well as the broader implications of digital media on youth development.

Key research areas include analyzing non-consensual sexting behaviors, bystander roles in sexting dissemination, and the psychological impacts of digital communication platforms like Snapchat. His work often employs mixed-methods approaches, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative focus groups to explore nuanced phenomena such as password sharing in friendships and generational differences in LGBTQ+ digital identity negotiation.

Van Ouytsel’s publications highlight societal challenges like investor perceptions of virtual pitch presentations and the role of social media in fostering digital stress. He collaborates internationally, addressing cross-cultural dynamics in sexting behaviors and advocating for evidence-based strategies to mitigate risks associated with adolescent online interactions. His research has informed educational initiatives and policy discussions on media literacy and youth protection.