Xinyu Zhang

Ph.D Student
Department of Communication
College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Michigan State University
Email: zxinyu@msu.edu

Publications

Journal Articles

[8] Zhang, X., Oh, Y. J., Zhang, Y., & Zhu, J. (2025). Seeking validation in the digital age: The impact of validation seeking on self-image and internalized stigma among self- vs. clinically diagnosed individuals on r/ADHD. PLOS One, 20(10), e0331856. DOI

[7] Zhang, X., & Wang, Y. (2025). Swiping through the stars: Exploring identity and intimacy through astrology sensemaking on Douyin. new media & society, 14614448251344588. DOI

[6] Zhang, X., Zhu, J., Kenne, D. R., & Jin, R. (2025). Teenager substance use on reddit: Mixed methods computational analysis of frames and emotions. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e59338. DOI

[5] Zhu, J., Zhang, X., Jin, R., Jiang, H., & Kenne, D. R. (2025). Probing Public Perceptions of Antidepressants on Social Media: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Formative Research, 9(1), e62680. DOI

[4] Zhang, X., & Silva, D. E. (2024). “I feel like a fraud who acts like a feminist”: The discussion themes and sexual scripts in the porn free women online forum. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 53(6), 2189–2203. DOI

[3] Zou, W., Tang, L., Zhou, M., & Zhang, X. (2024). Self-disclosure and received social support among women experiencing infertility on reddit: A natural language processing approach. Computers in Human Behavior, 154, 108159. DOI

[2] Zou, W., Zhang, X., & He, J. (2023). Making Sense of Jiese: An Interview Study of Members from a Porn-Free Self-Help Forum in China. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52(1), 385–397. (Corresponding author) DOI

[1] Zhang, X., & Zou, W. (2023). Shattering the Silence: Exploring the role of Chinese Online Sexual Health Influencers in Promoting Sex Education. Sex Education, 23(4), 1–16. DOI

Conference Presentations

[4] Zhang, X. (2025). Seeking Validation in the Digital Age: The Impact of Validation Seeking on Self-Image and Internalized Stigma among Self- vs. Clinically Diagnosed Individuals on r/ADHD. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Conference, New Zealand.

[3] Zhang, X., & Silva, D. E. (2023). Exploring Thematic Features and Sexual Scripts in Women’s Online Pornography Abstinence Forums. Paper presented at the 106th Annual Conference of Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Washington, D.C. 🏆 First Place Student-Faculty Paper Award

[2] Zhang, X., & Zou, W. (2023). Shattering the Silence: Exploring the Role of Chinese Online Sexual Health Influencers in Promoting Sex Education. Paper presented at the 109th Annual Conference of the National Communication Association, Maryland.

[1] Egbert, N., Noi, S., Rindfleisch, M., & Zhang, X. (2023). Uncertain Poets Describe Their Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines. Poster presented at the 7th Biennial D.C. Health Communication Conference.

Awards & Recognition

  • First Place Student-Faculty Paper Award - Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (2023)
  • Top Paper Award - AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women (2023)