About
Holly Avella is Assistant Professor of Media Studies and Data Analytics. She received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in Communication, Information, and Media, studying mood tracking/mediating technologies and mental health. With a background in psychology and counseling, her current work focuses on digital mental health and therapeutic platforms, including AI and social media. Her work has been published in journals that include New Media & Society and Information, Communication, & Society. She has been quoted in media such as The New York Times. Her book on mood and mental health tech is forthcoming with University of California Press.Research interests
Social Media; Digital Mental Health; Science and Technology Studies; Data, Algorithms, and AI Studies; Mental Health Media and Platforms; TikTok; Telehealth; Mood Tracking; Wellness TechTeaching interests
Social Media; Data and Technology Studies; Media History; Public Relations; Advertising; New Media TechnologiesEducation
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Ph D, Communication, Information, and Media Studies
— Rutgers University (2024) Mood, Media, and Mental Health: A Study of Therapeutic Mood Mediating Technologies
- MS, Counseling Psychology — Long Island University (2005)
- BA, Psychology — State University of New York, New Paltz (2003)