Psychologist, digital tech researcher, science writer
I'm a professor of psychology and science communication at Bath Spa University. My research looks at the behavioural and wellbeing effects of playing video games, and I’m also interested in metascientific issues regarding best practice in digital technology effects research. I’m also a science writer, with articles featured in New Scientist, Science Focus, the Guardian, the Observer, the New York Times, WIRED, the Telegraph, and more. For five years I was the Guardian’s science blog network coordinator, and I’ve been a science consultant for BBC’s Horizon.
My first book, LOST IN A GOOD GAME, is a mix of psychology, travel writing and autobiographical writing. It looks at the reasons why we play video games, the effects they have on us, and why we shouldn't worry so much about the scaremongering stories we see about them in the news. It was published in April 2019, and you can buy it here.
My second book, UNLOCKED, investigates the science behind our relationship with digital technology. It will take a deep dive into an emerging and contentious field of research, and look at why we’ve got the debate around screens so wrong. Ultimately, it’s about reframing the conversation towards thinking about how we can best use digital technology to improve our lives. It’s published this week, and you can preorder it at Bookshop.org, Amazon, Waterstones, and all good bookshops.
