Tyler Pham

Tyler earned their B.A. in Communication Studies from Augustana College, Illinois, and their M.S. in Communication from Illinois State University.

Tyler's research examines mediated interpersonal communication through a social cognition lens. They study how digital affordances such as message permanence, visibility, and feedback mechanisms alter the ways people evaluate partners, develop trust, and regulate their behaviors online. Drawing on various interpersonal communication and social influence theories such as the Hyperpersonal Model and Cognitive Dissonance Theory, their research examines how our mediated responses and cognitive processes change our perceptions of others in mediated interpersonal interactions. Methodologically, they use quantitative approaches including controlled experiments, reaction-time measures, and computational text analysis to isolate the mechanisms driving interpersonal outcomes. This focus enables me to test causal relationships with precision and develop evidence-based frameworks for understanding social interactions within technology. Beyond their theoretical contributions, their research has practical applications for addressing challenges such as online incivility, digital disinhibition, and the design of tools that promote healthy and civil discourses in online social interactions.