Hi, I am Ariel Wang.

I’m a Ph.D. candidate in Human–Computer Interaction at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I study how social and algorithmic systems influence people’s health and well-being. My research, advised by Dr. Christina Chung, explores how social media and AI-driven platforms shape health behaviors, identity, and digital agency—particularly among youth and individuals with food allergies.

My work has been published at top HCI venues such as CHI, CSCW, and IDC, spanning topics like teenagers’ use of social media like TikTok and their healthy eating behaviors, and how people with food allergies form identity and experience stigma online. These studies aim to inform the design of technologies that are not only engaging, but also ethical, inclusive, and health-supportive.

Before pursuing my Ph.D., I worked as a UX designer and researcher at the Taiwan Design Research Institute, combining design thinking and participatory research to create meaningful digital experiences. I also hold dual Master’s degrees—one in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington and another in Design from Taiwan Tech—bridging human-centered design, computation, and public health.

With years of experience across UX research and design, I’m passionate about shaping digital platforms that empower reflection and support well-being.