Assistant Professor Bingjie Liu’s research explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people communicate, connect and express authenticity. It challenges the assumption that AI diminishes human connection, showing instead that people often put more effort into refining their AI-assisted messages than when writing on their own.
“We need to make informed decisions on how we will use AI for different purposes,” she said. “When you use AI, it changes your cognitive processes. The thinking process quickens and confidence increases, so it is essential to know how to use AI responsibly.”
Recently, Liu co-authored a study examining social norms around AI-mediated communication, exploring when AI-assisted messages are perceived as acceptable. Her findings contribute to a growing field that investigates the social norms and ethical perceptions surrounding AI-generated communication.
Her 2024 study, “AI Can Help Write a Message to a Friend- But Don’t Do It,” highlighted the social consequences of using AI for emotional communication. She found that when people discover a friend used AI to help write a personal message to them, they tend to view the friend as putting in less effort. This ultimately leads to disappointment and uncertainty about the friendship.
While AI can help with message creation, Liu emphasized that there can be unintended consequences of using the technology.
“We are responsible for our own thinking,” she said. “The intent behind communication must always belong to the person, not the tool.”
Originally from China, Liu earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communications from Penn State University, where her research focused on human-AI interaction and message interpretation. Before coming to Ohio State in 2023, Liu served as an assistant professor at California State University, Los Angeles. Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and Human-Machine Communication. She has presented her work at conferences such as the International Communication Association and the National Communication Association, earning recognition for advancing understanding of how AI shapes human connection. She has also been featured in The Guardian and Ohio State News.
Liu is also bringing her research into the classroom. This fall, students in her social media course are using AI tools to assist with a social media campaign project. She decided to do this because she feels students who know how to use AI well find that it enhances their learning.
Based on her research, Liu encourages both students and the larger community to stay curious and open-minded when it comes to AI.
“Keep thinking for yourself, but don’t be afraid to experiment.”
Written by student Lily Roth