Julius Matthew Riles

Dr. Julius Matthew Riles is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication, University of Missouri, where he examines the interplay between media use and social relationships. His research focuses on marginalized groups, inclusivity, health communication, and political communication, using psychological and interdisciplinary approaches. He is affiliated with the ASH Scholars Program and co-directs the Media & Diversity Center.

• Ph.D. in Communication, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests
Dr. Riles explores:

• Psychological mechanisms of parasocial relationships with media figures
• How social relationships influence media consumption
• Stigma communication in health and political contexts
• Racial/ethnic identity in media representation
• Media effects on social perceptions

Publication Trends
His recent work (2025-2022) spans parasocial relationship theory, stigma communication, racial identity analysis, and media fragmentation. Articles appear in top outlets like Journal of Communication, Media Psychology, and Communication Research, with a focus on quantitative methods and interdisciplinary frameworks.

Honors

• Outstanding Article Award (ICA, co-recipient)
• Advisor of the Year (Mizzou Comm graduate students)
• Mass Communication Division Teaching Award (NCA)

Leadership
Dr. Riles serves as Associate Editor for Communication Monographs and Journal of Applied Communication Research, and co-directs the Media & Diversity Center at the University of Missouri.