Sean Thoennes, PhD
Media Psychologist | Corporate Advisor | Technology Ethicist
Dr. Sean Thoennes operates at the intersection of immersive media, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology, with a dedicated focus on ethical storytelling and positive societal impact. Utilizing deep expertise in media psychology, cognitive science, and information display, his work ensures that emerging technologies are integrated into the mainstream responsibly, safely, and equitably.
Dr. Thoennes brings over 35 years of media industry experience to his consultative work, including a distinguished corporate tenure at Disney. While there, he led an award-winning creative team and managed complex, global programs from initial concept through post-production, distribution, and key performance indicator (KPI) metric analysis. This extensive corporate foundation gives him a practical, results-driven understanding of corporate environments, allowing him to collaborate seamlessly across marketing, public relations, and executive communications.
A pioneer in social media research and digital content creation, Dr. Thoennes has dedicated much of his career to establishing robust standards for ethical media innovation. He is the author of Media Innovations: AI and the Psychology Behind It, a definitive work that examines technology’s profound cultural influence. His deep understanding of cognitive psychology allows him to anticipate and resolve conflicts within electronic media, particularly as artificial intelligence evolves from a functional tool into an active, powerful agent. Guided by data-driven insights, he actively designs frameworks that mitigate algorithmic bias and promote ethical storytelling practices.
An internationally recognized speaker and researcher, Dr. Thoennes easily bridges the gap between the business world and higher education. In addition to his corporate and research consulting, he teaches in academia and serves as an executive officer in prominent professional organizations. Dr. Thoennes holds a PhD in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University and remains committed to advancing technological innovation as a powerful vehicle for social good.