Joonhyeog Park, MA

Joonhyeog Park is a PhD student at the School of Social Policy & Practice. His research focuses on the intersection of aging and technology, with a particular interest in identifying the facilitators and barriers that influence ICT use among older adults, as well as how ICT use in later life is associated with improved health outcomes and stronger social connections. A key aspect of his research is ensuring that ICT serves as a tool for empowerment, helping older adults maintain independence and engagement, rather than contributing to disempowerment. He has also conducted research on the evolution of the digital divide among older adults at the population level, examining how disparities in access and usage have changed over time.

Before joining Penn, Joonhyeog worked at the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI), where he was primarily involved in conducting and publishing a population-based panel study that collected data on people’s perceptions, expectations, and concerns regarding digital technology use, as well as their actual digital literacy levels.

He holds a BA in Social Welfare and International Area Studies, with honors, from Handong Global University, and an MA in Social Welfare from Seoul National University.