📌 Key facts
- What: This thesis explores how advanced AI systems influence human collaboration and social interaction, exploring their potential to act as contributors to feelings of loneliness in work environments
- When: Start anytime. Applications are open!
- How to apply: Send your CV, transcript of records, and a short statement of research interest (details below)
- 📌 Key facts
- 💡 Background
- 🦾Who We Are
- 🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- 🎓 Profile
- 📝 How to Apply
💡 Background
Workplace loneliness is an increasing concern for organizations, causing lower performance, reduced engagement, unsafe behaviors, and higher turnover.
McCarthy et al. (2025) provide a comprehensive review showing that loneliness in work contexts is a complex, multi-level phenomenon involving social withdrawal, affective and cognitive cycles, and disrupted interpersonal connections. They highlight a significant research gap concerning the impact of AI on workplace loneliness, emphasizing the dual potential of AI as both a facilitator of social connection and as a possible contributor to isolation.
This thesis aims to address these intertwined issues by exploring AI’s complex roles in human collaboration and social interaction
🦾Who We Are
I am a PhD student and Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Company. My research interest lies broadly in the human dimensions of AI, including its adoption, effective use, and its impact on workplace dynamics. I have an educational background in Business and Information Systems Management.
As Chair for Strategy and Organization we are focused on research with impact. This means we do not want to repeat old ideas and base our research solely on the research people did 10 years ago. Instead, we currently research topics that will shape the future such as Quantum/Deep Tech, (Generative) Artifical Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation, Diversity, Education Technology and Performance Management, Leadership, and Teams. We are always early in noticing trends, technologies, strategies, and organisations that shape the future, which has its ups and downs.
🎯 Topics of Interest and Potential Outcomes
- Understanding if AI in human-computer collaboration reduces loneliness by improving connection or increases it by replacing human interaction
- How AI shapes human collaboration and social interaction in work and everyday contexts
- The role of AI companions as supportive partners or potential sources of social isolation
- Factors influencing whether AI use promotes connection or loneliness
Potential outcomes:
- Systematic literature review
- Meta-analysis
- Conceptual model development
- Experimental design and field studies
🎓 Profile
- Strong interest in AI, social psychology, and organizational studies
- Reliable, structured, and self-driven working style
- Strong academic record and analytical mindset
📝 How to Apply
If you are interested, please contact Lisa-Maria Schober by submitting your CV, grade report, preferred starting date & short motivation statement. Please also indicate which kind of thesis (= outcome) you are interested in.