Byron Reeves

Byron Reeves, a prominent researcher at Stanford University, is renowned for his contributions to the field of media psychology. He has studied how media influences attention, memory and emotional responses and has applied the research in the areas of speech dialogue systems, interactive games, advanced displays, social robots, and autonomous cars. Reeves recently launched (with Stanford colleagues Nilam Ram and Thomas Robinson) the Human Screenome Project, designed to collect moment-by-moment changes in technology use across applications, platforms and screens.

Reeves' body of work includes the influential "The Media Equation" theory, which he co-authored with Clifford Nass. This theory proposes that people attribute human characteristics to computers and other forms of media. The duo's groundbreaking research includes an experiment called "The Media Equation Test", which provided compelling evidence that participants automatically apply social rules to their interactions with computers. This research has had far-reaching implications, influencing fields as diverse as robotics, education, and healthcare.

Reeves has made substantial contributions to research on the practical aspects of media interaction, such as computer-based interviewing systems and the effects of computers as teammates. Reeves' published work appears in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, and Journal of Communication. Reeves' research has significantly advanced the understanding of human-computer interaction and the effects of technology on human behavior.

In addition to his research and writing, Reeves has held several prestigious roles at Stanford University. These include Director of the Center for the Study of Language and Information, Co-Director of the H-STAR Institute, and founding Director of mediaX at Stanford. Reeves has also contributed to media policy at the FTC, FCC, US Congress, and White House. As a Fellow of the International Communication Association, Reeves continues to lead the way in his field, and his work remains central to ongoing debates about the role of technology in society.