معرفی
Dr. Stephanie Tong is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Wayne State University, where she directs the Social Media and Relational Technologies (SMART) Labs. Her academic journey includes a BA from the University of California, Davis, and both MA and PhD degrees from Michigan State University.
- Position: Professor, Department of Communication Studies
- Institution: Wayne State University
- Research Lab: Director of SMART Labs
- Education: BA (UC Davis), MA & PhD (Michigan State)
Dr. Tong's research focuses on the intersection of social media and relational communication, specifically examining how people initiate, maintain, and terminate relationships using popular social media platforms. Her work spans several key areas including online dating, romantic relationships in the digital age, online hate speech, and the impact of AI on interpersonal communication. She has developed particular expertise in Asian American experiences with online hate during the pandemic and the role of social media in health contexts like chronic pain management.
Her extensive publication record includes articles in top-tier journals such as Social Media + Society, Psychology and Health, Personal Relationships, New Media and Society, and Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. Her recent research (2023-2025) shows a growing focus on AI in communication education, foundations of online hate research, and the psychological impacts of social media on marginalized communities. Her book 'Up to Date: Communication and Technology in Romantic Relationships' (2022) with Brandon Van Der Heide represents a significant contribution to understanding digital romance.
- Online Hate Research: Asian American resilience to pandemic-related online harassment
- Relationship Technology: How digital platforms shape romantic connections
- Health Communication: Facebook support groups for chronic pain management
- AI Communication: Effects on interpersonal dynamics and educational approaches
Dr. Tong teaches interpersonal communication, communication theory, research methods, and pedagogy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She is particularly known for innovative teaching approaches, including hands-on methods for teaching complex research concepts. Her courses include Interpersonal Communication (COM2200), Quantitative Research Methods (COM7260), and Seminar in Communication Education (COM7810).
Outside the classroom, Dr. Tong maintains an active lifestyle with interests in rock climbing and running. She lives with her husband, son, and a Chihuahua-pug mix dog named Panzo. Her SMART Labs continues to investigate how technology affects relationship decisions, with ongoing recruitment for research assistants indicating active projects and funding.
