My name is Kathrin Karsay and I am a communication researcher. I was awarded my doctoral degree in February 2018 at the University of Vienna (Austria) where I was holding a pre-doctoral and post-doctoral research position at the Advertising and Media Effects Research Group of the Department of Communication. Currently, I work as a post-doctoral researcher at the School of Mass Communication Research at KU Leuven (Belgium).

My research interests are related to various aspects within the fields of media psychology (e.g., sexualization, stereotypes), computer-mediated communictation (e.g., social media use), and body image research (e.g., self-objectification). By applying a multi-disciplinary and multi-method approach it is my aim to understand how traditional and digital media influence individuals’ psychological well-being.

I’m currently involved in research projects investigating the relationship between (social) media use and smartphone use and children’s and adolescents’ well-being.

Learn more about my past and current research projects.

My work has been published in leading SSCI-ranked journals, including Communication Research, Mass Communication and Society, Media Psychology and Computers in Human Behavior, and I have received several competitive prizes (e.g., ICA Kyoon Hur Dissertation Award, Austrian Award of Excellence, Sowi-Doc.Award). 

Have a look at my publications.

Latest article: *Karsay, K., & Matthes, J. (2020). Sexualizing pop music videos, self-objectification, and selective exposure: A moderated mediation model. Communication Research, 47, 428–450. doi:10.1177/0093650216661434