Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
Charlie’s research sits at the intersection of social psychology and cyberpsychology by examining the importance of the digital divide and the role of digital technology in supporting social wellbeing. She examines the role of technology in facilitating communication between humans, and the potential for technology to act as a social companion to humans. These functions focus on the use of technology to support social wellbeing through reducing isolation and loneliness.
Additionally, Charlie has researched the application of smart speakers as an intervention for older adults in social housing (a group at increased risk of social and digital exclusion). Smart speakers are an accessible and pro-social form of technology that can support older adults with low digital skills to become digitally engaged and act as a social companion to reduce isolation and loneliness. This work reflects two of her interests in accessible digital interventions and parasocial relationships with technology.