S. Shyam Sundar

S. Shyam Sundar is the James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects and Evan Pugh University Professor at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University. He co-founded the Media Effects Research Laboratory and directs the Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence, an interdisciplinary initiative addressing AI ethics and societal impact.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication from Stanford University, B.A. in Communication and Engineering from Bangalore University.

His research spans Human-AI Interaction, Interactive Media Effects, and Misinformation Dynamics, with a focus on how interface design elements like interactivity, agency, and customization influence user psychology. He pioneers theories such as the MAIN model and TIME (Theory of Interactive Media Effects).

Recent publications explore Generative AI trust, chatbot ethics, and AI-driven misinformation. Funded by the National Science Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Lockheed Martin, his work bridges Communication, Psychology, and Computer Science.

• Scientific Recognition: Recipient of Penn State's Faculty Scholar Medal, Deutschmann Award, and Fellow of the International Communication Association (ICA). Served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and editor of the Handbook of the Psychology of Communication Technology.

He teaches courses such as Psychological Aspects of Communication Technology and Research Methods in Communication, while hosting the Jazz Spectrum radio show. His interdisciplinary approach includes joint appointments in Advertising, Media Studies, and Communication Arts and Sciences.