Perry Reed, PhD

Senior Researcher

Perry Reed, PhD, is a scholar-practicioner who specializes in applying psychology to media, marketing, and technology. He is a visiting scholar and associate faculty at Fielding Graduate University, where he currently leads the Entertainment & Technology Psychology Research Lab.

Dr. Reed’s published research spans fan engagement with fictional and celebrity couples (Psychology of Popular Media), narrative engagement and perceptions of generative AI’s creative capacity (Technology, Mind, and Behavior), the motivations and benefits of rewatching film and television (Social and Personality Psychology Compass), and player experiences with queer representation in video games (North American Journal of Psychology). He has contributed chapters to The Oxford Handbook of Media Psychology (2nd Ed.) and Media Psychology Today. He is also a long-time collaborator with the Center for Scholars & Storytellers @ UCLA, including the 3.0 Roadmap for “Authentically Inclusive Representation in Film & Television.”

Dr. Reed earned his BS in Cognitive Science from UCLA and his MA and PhD in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He is a board member and 2027 President-Elect of the Society for Media Psychology & Technology, a division of the American Psychological Association. He previously held leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, including board task forces and the implementation of nationwide programs and global training initiatives.

Alongside his academic work, Dr. Reed brings more than 15 years of industry experience spanning brand marketing, audience research, client experience and operations, product strategy and design, and professional development. His work has supported organizations across healthcare technology, HigherEd, media literacy, and other sectors.

He is also the proud co-author and illustrator of the children’s book series Gilby the Gecko.