Richard Hamshaw

I am a social psychologist interested in social media use, health communication and appearance concerns.  I am interested in how we engage with newer forms of data like social media, and novel approaches to researching these domains. I am passionate about mixed-methods and qualitative approaches to research. 

My research has looked at how people with food allergies and intolerances use social media, and how issues are discussed and debated online. I am also interested in how users come to see social media sources as credible, persuasive or expert. I have explored men's attitudes towards their appearance and grooming, and in what way society and social media might influence behaviours and expectations. More recently, I have begun to supervise student projects exploring LGBTQ experiences, such as uptake of PrEP in young UK men. 

• Social psychology
• Qualitative research methods

• First year tutor 
• Deputy Director of Undergraduate Studies in Psychology