Dr. Rachel Kowert

Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist and the Research Director of Take This. She is a world-renowned researcher on the uses and effects of digital games, including their impact on physical, social, and psychological well-being. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United States Congress, United Nations, and Department of Homeland Security. An award-winning author, she has published a variety of books and scientific articles relating to the psychology of games and, more recently, the relationship between games and mental health specifically.

"I have been studying emerging media for more than 15 years, with a specific focus on the potential dangers and unique contributions that online video games can bring to our everyday lives. My current work is focused on dark participation in games, including the ways in which games are being leveraged for the propagation of extremist propaganda, recruitment, and mobilization."