Team

Hi, I am John – a psychologist and software developer, and an External PhD candidate at Tilburg University, co-supervised here at the University of Mannheim. I graduated with an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Konstanz and with a B.A. in Media Studies & Political Science from the University of Tübingen. After my studies, I was a Visiting Researcher for one year at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin. My research focuses on how large language models and social media shape trust, persuasion, and prosocial behavior. When I am not analyzing data or building apps, you’ll likely find me meeting friends, tasting Greek food, chasing the sun, or playing board games. Click here to view my CV. 

I recently completed my PhD in social psychology at Tilburg University, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova and Prof. Dr. Ilja van Beest. My PhD project investigated several questions linking cynicism to unethical behavior, such as: Do cynical people act more unethically, and what motivates them to do so? Are cynical leaders perceived as better at preventing unethical behavior than trusting leaders, and what does this mean for their career outcomes? And does (unexpectedly) enco­unter­ing unethical behavior make people more cynical? I am currently working on a project that explores the role of political cynicism in motivating different types of collective action, and I’m also involved in another project on voluntary change in cynical beliefs. My research interests include cynicism and trust, (un)ethical behavior, political attitudes, collective action, and mis­information. Click here to view my CV.

My research investigates the influence of Large Language Model chatbots on human social relations­hips and well-being. I am interested in the cognitive and emotional effects that arise when people delegate empathic tasks to AI.

I study how the trans­ition to parenthood affects people’s psychological well-being. While becoming a parent is a life-changing milestone, it does not affect everyone in the same way—some experience greater happiness and meaning, while others face stress and declines in well-being. In my PhD project, supervised by Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova, Prof. Dr. Anne Reitz, and Dr. Katya Ivanova, I use large-scale surveys and daily experience sampling to explore why these differences occur. By looking at both momentary feelings and broader life evaluations, I aim to understand how personal characteristics, daily experiences, and social contexts shape the well-being of new parents. Click here to view my CV.