Toqa Hassan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Digital Media

Introduction

I am interested in exploring the biological & psychology origins of our media behaviors. My research uses survey and experimental methods to understand the cognitive & biological processes that motivate us to choose and use certain new media technology.

Research Overview

My research uses survey and experimental methodologies to examine the etiology of our media and communication behaviors, as well as the cognitive and psychological effects behind our media use. I use social learning as well as behavioral genetics to understand media selection in parents and children, with a specific interest on new media technology such as VR, video game platforms, and AI.

Select Publications

• Hassan, T. (2023). Genetic and environmental influences on playing video games. Media Psychology. 10.1080/15213269.2023.2165504
• Hassan, T. (2018). Seeking Unity Despite Differences: Female Muslim College Students and Cultural Bridges of Social Media. Journal of Research, Assessment, and Practice in Higher Education, 3(1), 6.

View Toqa Hassan’s CV

View Toqa Hassan’s Personal Website

Teaching Focus

My teaching focuses on communication with and through digital media. In my family communication classes, I focus on how parents shape and inform children’s media use. I also teach ways of communicating through code, i.e.  narrative, storytelling, & game design through p5js and design for the web using HTML, CSS, and JS. My graduate teaching centers around the effects of media on human interaction and the etiology, biological and social causes, of our media behaviors.

About Me

I am passionate about community work. I have been a Summit Lake Ambassador, working with teens to design, redevelop, and recreate a community park around Summit Lake in the heart of the City of Akron, my hometown. “Bloom where you are planted” propels me to stay engaged with members of whatever community to ensure that we thrive together.