About Josh Gonzales

I'm a PhD candidate in consumer behavior at the University of Guelph. I study how people respond to AI, why they take risks, and what their hobbies say about them.

I also write for Psychology Today and The Conversation.

Research

My research runs on three threads:

  • AI and cultural consumption. Why polished AI art can feel like cheating, and when people accept AI's help.
  • Risk-taking. How need and resources shape the risks people take.
  • Variety-seeking. Who seeks variety in their hobbies, and what it signals.

I also build open-source research software. See Projects →

Background

  • PhD candidate, University of Guelph (expected July 2026). SSHRC CGS D recipient.
  • M.A., University of Regina. SSHRC CGS M recipient, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Scholar.
  • B.A. (Honours), University of Regina. High Honours.

$173,011 in competitive funding awarded.

Download CV

Get in touch

Happy to talk. Email is the best way to reach me.