University of Wisconsin–Madison

News

Chatbots and Loneliness: How Linguistic Dynamics in Conversations with Chatbots Shape Young Adults’ Loneliness

Loneliness has recently been declared a public health epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General, with young adults particularly at risk (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023). Over one in four young adults report frequent loneliness, and although rates have declined since their COVID-19 pandemic peak, young adults continue to report higher loneliness than any other …

Peter Sengstock Honored with an L&S Mid-Career Achievement Award

It is unlikely the College of Letters and Science has a more dedicated, knowledgeable, proactive, and savvy problem solver than Peter Sengstock in its midst. Since 2007, Sengstock has excelled in creating and maintaining the essential technological infrastructure with which Comm Arts accomplishes its research, teaching, and outreach missions. Sengstock is the recipient of a …

A word of advice: take it

When Green Bay played the Bears in the playoffs, were you rooting for the Packers so much that you were certain they would win? This tendency to believe our favorite teams and groups are more likely to win is called “wishful thinking bias.”

Researchers Provide Ways to Communicate About PFAS

The last several years have seen an increasing concern about the health effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or long-lasting “forever chemicals”) in consumer products and drinking water. As a persuasion and advice communication researcher, Communication Arts Professor Lyn van Swol became interested in applying her research to improve human health. In partnership with …