Steve Rathje

Steve Rathje is an assistant professor of human-computer interaction in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Social and Decision Sciences. Rathje serves as a National Science Foundation and AXA postdoctoral fellow at New York University, where his research examines the intersection of psychology and technology. His work focuses on how digital platforms, including social media and artificial intelligence, influence polarization, intergroup conflict, misinformation, and mental health. Rathje holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Cambridge, where he was a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors and distinction from Stanford University, with a minor in symbolic systems.

Rathje has published 37 academic papers in journals such as Science and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. His research has received more than $2.7 million in funding and has been recognized with honors including the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the Rising Star award from the American Psychological Association. Rathje is a public speaker, presenting at conferences and events such as Aspen Ideas Festival and the AI and Disinformation Summit. His research on the psychological impact of technology and the global effects of social media has been featured in various media outlets.

Rathje is also a science communicator with a substantial following on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where he reaches more than 1 million followers. His work on the psychology of virality and misinformation, along with his ability to communicate scientific concepts to broad audiences, positions him as an expert on the societal implications of emerging technologies. Rathje’s public engagement and research contribute to the fields of psychology, technology, and digital society.