Sara Konrath

Sara Konrath is a social psychologist and associate professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she directs the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research. Konrath's research examines the evolution of social and emotional traits, particularly empathy and narcissism, among American youth, as well as the health and well-being benefits of generosity and prosocial behavior. She has led studies analyzing empathy trends in the United States, with work highlighting shifts in empathy among younger generations.

Konrath develops and evaluates digital and in-person empathy-building interventions for groups including young people, educators, nonprofit professionals, and healthcare providers. Her research also explores the intersection of technology and social connection, collaborating with organizations such as the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard and Common Sense Media to study the impact of social media and grind culture on adolescent well-being. She is the author of the book "Culture of Burnout: American Life in an Age of Increasing Expectations."

Konrath's insights have appeared in media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and BBC News. She writes "The Empathy Gap" blog for Psychology Today and has presented at events such as SouthXSouthwest and contributed to the "World Happiness Report." Through her research, writing, and public engagement, Konrath translates psychological findings into strategies for fostering empathy, resilience, and generosity in individuals and communities.