Media Use & Effects

Our research group on Media Use & Effects develops theoretical models, methodological tools, and conducts empirical research to better understand today’s media use and its effects on individuals, social groups, and society at large. This includes effects of media exposure, effects from contributing own content to (social) media, as well as effects that result within the social context, including social influence and social selection.

A key focus of our work is the social media use of adolescents and its effects on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis), physical activity, nutrition, and well-being. Our mission is to create relevant knowledge on these topics to advance the academic discourse, train our students, and inform policy makers, stakeholders, and the general public. This includes advising public health authorities in Switzerland and abroad for an evidence-based development and evaluation of public communication campaigns and other interventions.