Amy Shirong Lu

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Papers

Total Citations

228

H-Index

About

Amy Shirong Lu is a leading researcher at the intersection of digital media, health communication, and human-computer interaction. Her work is best known for pioneering investigations into the uncanny valley phenomenon, particularly through her highly cited 2011 study on the perceptual mismatch between human realism in faces and voices, which has garnered over 228 citations and reshaped how scholars understand user responses to virtual characters. Beyond this foundational contribution, Lu’s research explores how interactive technologies—including virtual reality and video games—can be harnessed for health behavior change, especially in areas like physical activity promotion and chronic disease management. Her work bridges psychological theory with applied digital interventions, demonstrating how subtle design features influence user engagement and outcomes. Recognized for her interdisciplinary impact, Lu has published extensively in top-tier journals spanning communication, human-computer interaction, and public health. Her findings not only advance theoretical models of human-technology interaction but also inform the ethical and effective design of digital health tools, making her a vital voice for researchers and students interested in the human side of emerging media.