Donghong Zhu

Huazhong University of Science and Technology

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About

Donghong Zhu is a rising scholar in consumer psychology and human-robot interaction, whose work explores the nuanced social dynamics between humans and social robots in domestic settings. Her most-cited paper, "Social robots: Partner or intruder in the home? The roles of self-construal, social support, and relationship intrusion in consumer preference" (2023, 27 citations), makes a significant contribution by examining how consumers’ self-construal—whether independent or interdependent—shapes their perception of social robots as either welcome partners or unwelcome intruders. Zhu’s research uniquely integrates concepts of social support and relationship intrusion, revealing that individuals with interdependent self-construal are more receptive to robots when they perceive them as enhancing social support, while those with independent self-construal are more sensitive to potential intrusions into their personal relationships. This work has immediate implications for designing socially acceptable robots and understanding consumer adoption of AI companions. By bridging social psychology and technology acceptance, Zhu offers a fresh lens on the delicate balance between human connection and technological integration, establishing her as an important voice in the evolving discourse on human-robot relationships.