I’m interested in the diverse ways in which people defend against existential threats such as isolation, meaninglessness, and lack of belonging. Specifically, I study how people may strive to replenish existential resources by engaging with online environments such as games and chatrooms. My goal is to find out when, why, and how this strategy is beneficial and when it is detrimental to mental health and functioning. Additional interests include the utilization of conceptual metaphor theory and the study of time perception.

Email: josephpconti@ku.edu