What role do digital media play in health-related behaviour? How can communication science contribute to improving health communication?
The “Health Communication” research group focuses on changes in health-related communication processes in the context of ongoing digital transformations. It examines health-related communication phenomena in digital environments—ranging from health and “sickfluencers” on social media, health apps, serious games, and games for health, to the use of AI-supported applications in healthcare settings.
The focus is on the effects of these developments on health-related communication processes. This includes, among other things, questions regarding the influence of these technologies on trust in health-related information, the attribution of medical expertise, the quality of the doctor-patient relationship, and health-related attitudes and behaviors—for example, with regard to processes of shared and informed decision-making.
In addition, the research group examines the health-related function of automated communication (e.g., chatbots) and the question of how this affects mental health—particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Head of the research group: Dr. Claudia Lampert
