Social media has not just expanded our social circles—it’s redefined for many people what friendship means. In this talk, Dr. Pennington will trace the role of social media in how we develop and maintain friendships and the implications for our well-being today.

Dr. Natalie Pennington is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at Colorado State University and a co-leader for the American Friendship Project. Dr. Pennington’s research utilizes quantitative and qualitative methodologies, focusing on social connection, including the use of interpersonal media to support our relationships and well-being, with a primary focus on friendship.

Dr. Pennington’s work has been published Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Social Media + Society, Communication Research, and Communication Monographs. Dr. Pennington holds degrees from the University of Kansas (PhD) and Kansas State University (MA, communication studies).

Dr. Pennington's presentation is part of K-State Social Media Week.