Dorothy L. Wong
Papers
1
Total Citations
64
H-Index
1
About
Dorothy L. Wong investigates the intersection of human-robot interaction, adolescent psychology, and emotional design, with a focus on how young people form bonds with social robots. Her most-cited work, "Can We Keep Him Forever? Teens’ Engagement and Desire for Emotional Connection with a Social Robot" (2019, 64 citations), reveals that teenagers actively seek sustained, emotionally resonant relationships with robotic companions, challenging assumptions about transient tech engagement. Wong’s research demonstrates that adolescents perceive social robots not as mere tools but as entities capable of fulfilling deep-seated needs for connection, belonging, and nonjudgmental interaction. This work has influenced the design of educational and therapeutic robots, emphasizing empathy and long-term attachment over novelty. By centering teen voices, Wong has reshaped how developers and psychologists approach robot design for developmental stages. Her findings carry significant implications for mental health interventions, particularly for isolated or neurodivergent youth. With growing recognition in human-robot interaction circles, Wong’s scholarship bridges engineering and developmental science, offering a nuanced understanding of how technology can support emotional growth in a digital age.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1