Paul Newhagen

Paul Newhagen is an American scholar specializing in the psychological and social effects of emerging communication technologies. A professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, his research has significantly influenced the understanding of how individuals process information and form judgments within digital environments. His work bridges the disciplines of media psychology, political communication, and human-computer interaction.

Early life and education

Newhagen completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, laying a foundation for his interest in communication processes. He then pursued advanced degrees at the University of Texas at Austin, a major research institution known for its programs in journalism and media studies. Under the guidance of prominent scholars in the College of Communication, he earned his doctorate, focusing his early academic inquiry on the intersection of television news and audience comprehension.

Academic career

Following his doctoral work, Newhagen joined the faculty of the University of Maryland, College Park, a flagship institution within the University System of Maryland. He has been a long-standing member of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, contributing to its reputation in media research. Throughout his tenure, he has taught courses and mentored students in areas such as mass communication theory, research methods, and the societal impact of information technology. His academic service has included contributions to prestigious journals like Journal of Communication and Media Psychology.

Research and contributions

Newhagen's research is centrally concerned with how cognition and emotion shape user experience with interactive media. He is particularly noted for early and influential studies examining audience responses to online news, investigating how factors like video and hypertext influence information retention and perceived credibility. His work has explored the unique affective experiences within cyberspace, contrasting them with traditional media like broadcast television. In the realm of political communication, his research has analyzed how cable news and digital platforms affect public opinion formation and political engagement. This body of work has provided critical insights for understanding phenomena like media bias and the spread of misinformation in networked societies.

Selected publications

* Newhagen, J. E., & Rafaeli, S. (1996). Why communication researchers should study the Internet: A dialogue. *Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication*. * Newhagen, J. E. (1998). TV news images that induce anger, fear, and disgust: Effects on approach-avoidance and memory. *Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media*. * Newhagen, J. E., & Levy, M. R. (1998). The future of journalism in a distributed communication architecture. In D. L. Borden & K. Harvey (Eds.), *The electronic grapevine: Rumor, reputation, and reporting in the new on-line environment*. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. * Newhagen, J. E. (2004). Interactivity, dynamic symbol processing, and the emergence of content in human communication. *The Information Society*. * Bucy, E. P., & Newhagen, J. E. (Eds.). (2004). *Media access: Social and psychological dimensions of new technology use*. Routledge.

Awards and honors

Newhagen's contributions to the field have been recognized through various fellowships and institutional awards. His research has received support from internal grants at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has been invited to present his work at major conferences, including those of the International Communication Association and the National Communication Association. His edited volume, *Media Access*, co-edited with Erik Bucy, is considered a seminal text in the study of digital divide issues and technology adoption.

Category:American communication scholars Category:University of Maryland, College Park faculty Category:Media psychologists Category:Year of birth missing (living people)