Seok Kang

Seok Kang is a Professor in Digital Media at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), currently serving as the Director of Digital Initiatives at the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA). Previously, he served as the Associate Dean for Research for COLFA, which houses nine departments. Dr. Kang holds a Ph.D. in Telecommunication from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Mass Communication from Illinois State University, another M.A. in Mass Communication from Sogang University in Seoul, Korea, and a B.A. in Sociology from Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Korea.

• Ph.D. in Telecommunication, University of Georgia (2001)
• M.A. in Mass Communication, Illinois State University (1998)
• M.A. in Mass Communication, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea (1997)
• B.A. in Sociology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (1994)

Dr. Kang's research spans the cutting edge of digital media and communication technologies, with particular focus on Artificial Intelligence applications in journalism, user experience of information technologies, media framing, and social media effects. His work bridges theoretical communication frameworks with practical digital media production, examining how emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and machine learning transform media consumption and production. His research interests demonstrate a consistent trajectory from traditional media effects to the frontiers of immersive and AI-driven media experiences.

Analysis of Dr. Kang's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on contemporary global issues through digital media lenses - particularly the Russia-Ukraine war framing across global news outlets, North Korean propaganda on social media platforms, and the psychological impacts of deepfakes and eudaimonic YouTube content. His work consistently applies advanced analytical methods including topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and network analysis to understand how digital media shapes perceptions of critical geopolitical and social issues.

• Professor of the Semester for teaching excellence (2007)
• Teaching award from UTSA Provost office (2010)
• Star Platinum Award winner for teaching excellence (2013)
• 15 top faculty paper awards and more than 13 second/third place awards
• Multiple research awards including BEA Annual Paper Competition (2023) and Framing North Korea on Twitter award (2022)

Dr. Kang has secured significant research funding including a $480,884 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for data curation, a $33,470 grant from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for data visualization, and multiple grants from The Korea Press Foundation and The Academy of Korean Studies. His editorial roles include associate editor for Frontiers in Psychology: Media Psychology and positions on the editorial boards of Mass Communication and Society and Asian Communication Research. His work demonstrates a consistent commitment to both theoretical advancement and practical applications of digital media research.