Welcome to the human side of mobile communication.
Not too long ago, technologies like Wi-Fi felt like science fiction. In just a few short decades, laptops, smartphones, and tablets have evolved from novelties to indispensable tools for modern life. But we’re only scratching the surface of understanding how they’ve transformed us. How have mobile devices and new platforms like AI, augmented reality, and 5G reshaped our relationships, identities, and societies? What untapped potential do they hold for enhancing our lives and solving global challenges—or for creating new forms of dependency and distraction? How will cutting-edge advancements, from the Internet of Things to the next wave of wearable technology, influence the future of human connection?
Join us as we explore the profound social impact of these technologies at the Center for Mobile Communication Studies. Based at Boston University’s College of Communication, we are the world’s first academic research, education, and consulting center focused exclusively on the societal implications of mobile communication. Our work emphasizes prosocial engagement and the role of mobile communication in psychological well-being.
Since 2004, we’ve been a resource for thought leaders, students, interdisciplinary researchers, and international organizations. We invite you to discover more about our mission, research, and collaborative efforts.
Welcome to the Center for Mobile Communication Studies
As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, mobile communication continues to reshape how we connect, work, and interact with the world. At the Center for Mobile Communication Studies, we are dedicated to understanding how these tools influence our collective future. Our research explores a wide array of innovations—including AI, wearable tech, and augmented reality—not only for their capabilities but also for their far-reaching impact on society, culture, and governance.
We investigate the complex relationship between technology and the human experience, exploring topics ranging from AI-enhanced mobile platforms that foster new forms of human-machine interaction to algorithms that shape public opinion. Our work delves not only into how these technologies function but also how they affect human emotions, relationships, and decision-making.
Drawing from psychology, sociology, and political science, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the mobile communication ecosystem. By staying ahead of emerging trends, we offer critical perspectives on the evolving nature of communication and its profound impact on global systems.