Empowering Joy, Transforming Lives

I study how social media impacts well-being, mental health, trauma, violence, and joy for youth and adults of color. By combining social work principles, data science, and storytelling, I develop community-centered strategies and computational approaches to support digital grief and healing.

Join me in exploring pathways to resilience, joy, and meaningful connection.

Find Joy
Core Pillars of My Impact

Insightful Research, Empathetic Narratives

Through innovative research and community-based collaborations, I explore how digital spaces shape our emotions, mental health, and capacity to heal. My work bridges communities, science, and storytelling to build tools that uplift and restore.

Smiling man and child reading together, embodying joy and resilience through digital storytelling moments.

Storytelling and Joyful Living

I elevate human stories that reflect joy, resilience, and complexity in the face of grief and injustice.

Hands joined in a circle, symbolizing community healing, collective resilience, and trauma recovery strategies.

Bridging Communities

I connect researchers, practitioners, and communities to co-create solutions that center healing, dignity, and equity.

Raised fists collage symbolizing technology and social justice and collective trauma recovery strategies.

Science and Social Justice

I provide actionable insights into how digital interactions influence emotional well-being and trauma, grounded in rigrous interdisciplinary methods.

What I Do

Inspiring Change Together

I offer dynamic speaking engagements, workshops, and creative collaborations that encourage healing, inclusion, and meaningful change.

Speaking

Learn More

Writing

Learn More

Books

Learn More
Desmond Upton Patton smiling on campus walkway, promoting joy and resilience through trauma-informed research.
Desmond Upton Patton smiling with arms crossed, advancing trauma-informed research and digital well-being.
About Me

Hi, I'm Dr. Desmond Upton Patton

Authentic Leadership, Global Impact

Raised in North Carolina, I’ve become a leading voice on the intersections of AI, social media, and well-being, My work is grounded in empathy, scholarship, and a deep commitment to the well-being of communities of color.

Learn More
Gallery

Moments of Joy and Purpose

Explore visuals from my speaking events, workshops, research collaborations, and everyday moments of joy that reflect the heart of my mission. Recent joyplanning workshops with Year Up and Lyft.

Desmond Upton Patton outdoors in burgundy coat, advancing trauma-informed research and digital empathy.
Desmond Upton Patton leads a group discussion on social work innovation and social media well-being.
Desmond Upton Patton by window, reflecting on AI and social work for healing through storytelling.
Desmond Upton Patton speaking to group, leading dialogue on social media trauma support and equity in AI.
Desmond Upton Patton in SAFELab, promoting youth digital experiences and emotion-centered design.
Desmond Upton Patton outdoors in burgundy coat, advancing trauma-informed research and digital empathy.

Join the Movement

Take the next step—join the waitlist for my upcoming book or book me for your next event. Let’s build a future rooted in care and connection.

Book a Speaking Engagement
Join Book Waitlist

Stay Inspired, Stay Informed

Sign up to receive insights, research updates, and reflections on joyful living, digital healing, and social transformation.

Desmond Upton Patton outdoors in burgundy coat, advancing trauma-informed research and digital empathy.