Yifan Wu
Ph.D.
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Education
B.A., Journalism and Communication, Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology
M.A., Media Studies, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Ph.D. (in progress), Mass Communication, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
News
- UFCJC faculty, graduate students and alumni represented at 2025 National Communication Association Convention (November 21, 2025)
- All News About Yifan Wu →
Research
Yifan Wu’s research centers on emerging media, media psychology, and the emotional dynamics of virtual interaction. His work focuses on virtual live streaming environments, particularly the role of avatars in shaping user and audience experiences. He investigates how individuals perceive and interact with avatars, and how these digital representations influence social presence, emotional labor, and para-social relationships. His current research explores the psychological and communicative implications of avatar-mediated interaction, as well as the emotional toll of social media use, including loneliness and hurt feelings. Yifan also examines how virtual spaces affect offline communication and identity perception. His methodological expertise spans mostly qualitative approaches, including experimental design and extended reality research tools.
Yifan Wu’s research centers on emerging media, media psychology, and the emotional dynamics of virtual interaction. His work focuses on virtual live streaming environments, particularly the role of avatars in shaping user and audience experiences. He investigates how individuals perceive and interact with avatars, and how these digital representations influence social presence, emotional labor, and para-social relationships. His current research explores the psychological and communicative implications of avatar-mediated interaction, as well as the emotional toll of social media use, including loneliness and hurt feelings. Yifan also examines how virtual spaces affect offline communication and identity perception. His methodological expertise spans mostly qualitative approaches, including experimental design and extended reality research tools.