Sophie Boerman

Sophie Boerman is an Associate Professor of Strategic Communication at Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on digital communication dynamics, particularly in areas like influencer marketing, online privacy, and algorithmic persuasion. She has published 76+ peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to academic leadership roles, including editorial positions at the Journal of Advertising and the International Journal of Advertising. Dr. Boerman's work bridges consumer behavior theory with practical applications in health communication and digital ethics. She has supervised four ongoing PhD projects addressing topics such as pesticide regulation polarization, meat consumption social norms, and political communication processes.

• Education: Doctorate in Communication Science
• Affiliations: Wageningen Young Academy member, SWOCC board member

Her research interests span the effectiveness of sponsored content disclosures, consumer responses to algorithmic systems, and the psychological impacts of digital surveillance. Notable contributions include studies on synced advertising efficacy and the development of pictograms to signal sponsored content in online videos. Boerman’s work frequently addresses ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, such as AI’s societal implications and privacy protection strategies.

Recent publications highlight her exploration of virtual influencers’ persuasive power, the role of executive function in ad processing, and behavioral interventions for public health. She has received the 2023 Women in AI NL Researcher Award, underscoring her impactful contributions to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and communication.