Howell

Howell Thompson, Ph.D., is a cultural psychologist with a keen interest in the ways digital culture shapes our understanding of self and society. Particularly, Howell explores how individuals like us integrate virtual experiences into our daily lives, influencing our personal development, social interactions, and the profound insights we gain from these encounters. He currently holds the position of Editor for the Journal of Digital Culture Psychology and has authored several influential books, including "Virtual Worlds, Real Impact" (2022) and co-authored "Building Empathy Through Screens" (2023) with colleague Jane Foster. Howell's TEDx talk titled "Why Virtual Friends Matter" can be found at tinyurl.com/VirtualFriendsMatter.

In March 2024, Howell was invited to speak at an international conference on digital ethics in Berlin, Germany, where he addressed the implications of augmented reality on interpersonal relationships. His research on the psychological effects of social media platforms has been widely cited in academic circles, appearing in over 1800 publications. A notable moment in Howell's career came when a leading tech company named a new VR experience after him, calling it "The Howell Horizon," as a tribute to his pioneering work in bridging the gap between virtual environments and real-world psychology.

Based out of London, UK, Howell is a faculty member at the Digital Culture and Society doctoral program at the University of Westminster, contributing to the education of future psychologists who will continue to explore the intersection of technology and human behavior.