Lucy Grace Franklin

Lucy Grace Franklin, Ph.D., is a professor of digital media at the University of Cambridge. She has a keen interest in the impact of social media and, more specifically, virtual reality environments. Lucy was invited to speak at Prime Minister Johnson's advisory board and participated in a 2023 World Health Organization panel on mental health in the digital age. In spring 2024, she addressed the Global Digital Safety Summit.

Her studies have revealed that engaging with virtual reality tends to foster creativity rather than contribute to antisocial behavior. Lucy advocates for tailored research approaches, arguing that each form of media should be examined within its unique context. For instance, while social platforms can influence our purchasing decisions, VR experiences are unlikely to cause users to engage in harmful activities. Dr. Franklin also explores how media studies can be skewed by public anxiety, regulatory pressures, and societal expectations into misleading conclusions.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Lucy is an avid fan of speculative fiction and enjoys immersive storytelling experiences like role-playing games. She and her daughter often indulge in crafting elaborate stories together using the Minecraft platform. Dr. Franklin also has a penchant for simulation games such as Cities: Skylines. Her professional journey reassures parents everywhere that yes, their child CAN build a successful career around their passion for technology and digital media.