Renkai Ma
Mixed-methods HCI Researcher
Pennsylvania State University
Biography
👋 Hi! I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Human-computer interaction (HCI) at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Information Sciences and Technology, under the guidance of Dr. Yubo Kou in the Health and Play Lab.
I specialize in blending human-centered design approaches with mixed-methods research to unravel the complexities of platform governance and digital creativity. My work primarily involves engaging with diverse stakeholders such as content creators, moderators, and policy experts, aiming to forge innovative design solutions and policy reforms that enhance online communities. I navigate through various platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, striving to create a balanced and thriving digital ecosystem.
Interests
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Social Computing
- Platform/Creator Governance (content moderation)
- Digital Creativity (AI-generated content)
- Children’s Online Safety Protection
Skills
Research
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods, Data Science
Programming
Hobbies
Hiking, Skiing
Pet others’ dogs and cats
Music, Karaoke
Research Experience
Doctoral Researcher
Pennsylvania State University
User Experience (UX) Research Intern
Meta/WhatsApp
UX Research Intern
SiriusXM/Pandora
Research Assistant
Syracuse University
Projects
A project I lead to investigate how creators can collaborate with other stakeholders for child safety protection in (creator) moderation context.
A project I facilitate with the PI, Dr. Yubo Kou to understand how esports gamers experience punishments issued by moderation systems, how they reason about moderation mechanisms, and how they adjust their future behaviors.
A project I lead to investigate how creators like YouTubers or influencers on Instagram or TikTok, while performing profitable content creation, experience creator moderation.
