Brenda K. Wiederhold

About

Brenda K. Wiederhold is a pioneering figure in cyberpsychology, best known for her groundbreaking work on the psychological impact of virtual reality and digital communication. As Editor-in-Chief of *Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking*, she has shaped discourse on how technology reshapes human interaction. Her most cited paper, "Connecting Through Technology During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Avoiding 'Zoom Fatigue'" (2020, 505 citations), introduced a critical concept during the global crisis, highlighting the cognitive and emotional toll of prolonged virtual meetings. This work has become foundational for understanding digital burnout in remote work and education. Beyond this, Wiederhold explores human-robot interaction, examining how social robots can address caregiving crises and foster shared experiences between humans and machines. Her research bridges psychology and robotics, emphasizing ethical design and humane technology. With a career spanning decades, Wiederhold has been instrumental in advancing virtual reality therapy for anxiety disorders and PTSD, earning her recognition as a thought leader in applied cyberpsychology. Her insights continue to guide researchers and practitioners navigating the complexities of an increasingly digital world.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Connecting Through Technology During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Avoiding “Zoom Fatigue”

   505 citations · 2020
2. 2
   Machines Like Us and People Like You: Toward Human–Robot Shared Experience

   20 citations · 2021
3. 3
   Robotic Technology Remains a Necessary Part of Healthcare's Future Editorial

   7 citations · 2017
4. 4
   The Ascent of Social Robots

   6 citations · 2021
5. 5
   Human–Robot Confluence: Toward a Humane Robotics

   5 citations · 2021
6. 6
   Can Robots Help Us Manage the Caregiving Crisis?

   4 citations · 2018

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links