Assistant Professor Morgan Ross challenges the idea that the self is limited to our physical bodies
Morgan Quinn Ross
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - April 16, 2025
Morgan Ross is a new tenure-track professor at the College of Liberal Arts’ School of Communication. His research focuses on the interaction between mobile technology and human identity, work that is particularly relevant in today’s digital age.
Since joining OSU in the fall of 2024, Ross has been teaching courses that reflect his research interests, including an introductory New Media and Culture (NMC 100) class and a special topics course titled Mobile Communication, Self, and Society (NMC 399). His goal is to help students critically examine their relationship with technology. “Because these technologies are so integrated into our lives, it’s easy to take them for granted,” he said. “I want students to be aware of how these tools structure their communication and identity.”
His own academic journey began at Carleton College, a small liberal arts school outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. His initial fascination with psychology stemmed from a broader interest in the brain and consciousness. “I was interested in the brain, not necessarily from a neuroscience perspective, but from a cognitive science perspective,” Ross explained. His studies at Carleton allowed him to explore sensation, perception, and memory while dabbling in other disciplines like communication. This intersection led Ross to pursue a Ph.D. in communication at The Ohio State University. “After acquiring the psychological toolkit to ask and answer questions, it became a natural fit for me to study communication technology through a psychological lens.”
Ross’ research now challenges the idea that the self is limited to our physical bodies. He explained that psychology and the social sciences have long viewed the self as something extending beyond the body, embedded in our environments, possessions, and relationships.
Smartphones, he argues, serve as a modern form of self-extension. “By design, smartphones are always with us. They allow us to express our identities, act out social roles, and store memories through photos, contacts, and messages.” Some individuals see their phones as tools that help accomplish personal goals, while others perceive them as symbolic representations of their identity. “Many people say, ‘my phone feels like a part of me, and I don’t feel like myself without it.’”. He warns of over-entanglement, where dependence on a device can become unhealthy, and stresses the importance of intentionality when using our devices.
Beyond self-extension, Ross also examines solitude—an increasingly elusive state in today’s connected society. Traditionally, solitude was defined by physical isolation, but Ross argues that this definition is outdated. His research suggests that modern communication technologies have drastically reduced the experience of solitude. “Even when we’re not interacting with others, we are often engaging with their thoughts through social media, books, or other media,” he explained. While chosen solitude can be beneficial, Ross notes that the constant expectation of connectivity makes it difficult for people to truly be alone.
Looking ahead, Ross plans to continue his research on mobile technology and solitude. “There are still so many unanswered questions about how people balance connection and disconnection,” he said. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, Ross is poised to make significant contributions to understanding the evolving relationship between humans and technology.