Each year a small portion of AoIR conference fees go toward several Kelly Quinn Travel Scholarships for junior scholars to attend the conference. We want to recognize our scholarship recipients and share with you a little bit about them and their research interests.
Who are you? 
I am Dr. Krysten Stein (she/her/hers), an Assistant Professor of Communication in the Department of English & Communication at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College. I am also a co-founder of the Content Creator Scholars Network. My academic work focuses on the intersection of media studies, digital platforms, and identity representation, with particular emphasis on TikTok therapy and the political economy of content production. My Mastodon handle is @steinkrysten@aoir.social
Where are you from?
I am from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, where I am now based after completing my PhD in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
What is your current area of study?
My current area of study involves exploring the dynamics of mental health content creation on digital platforms, particularly TikTok. I examine how these platforms shape the visibility, engagement, and ethical considerations of mental health professionals and the broader implications for the therapeutic industry.
Describe the research you will present at AoIR2024.
At AoIR2024, I will present research titled, “Navigating TikTok’s Mental Health Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations for Practitioners.” This research explores how mental health practitioners are engaging with TikTok as a platform for providing support and education. Through 42 in-depth interviews with active mental health content creators, my research uncovers the challenges practitioners face, including navigating TikTok’s algorithm, balancing visibility with ethical standards, and addressing safety concerns like trolling. The findings highlight the evolving landscape of the mental health industry, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and transparent platform environment. This research contributes to the discipline by offering insights into the intersection of digital platform dynamics and mental health information, and it calls for a collaborative effort to support responsible and sustainable mental health content creation.
Have you presented at AoIR in the past? If so, what was your experience? If #AoIR2024 in Sheffield is your first AoIR conference, what made you choose this conference? What do you expect from it?
This will be my first time presenting at AoIR. I chose this conference because of its focus on internet research and its reputation for fostering dynamic discussions among scholars interested in digital media and online platforms. I expect to gain valuable feedback on my research, connect with other researchers in my field, and contribute to the ongoing academic conversation around the ethical and practical challenges of digital mental health content creation.
