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Experts available: Holiday habits, shopping, scams, seasonal traditions

From gift-buying and online reviews to family dynamics, gratitude and seasonal traditions, the end-of-year holidays shape how people spend money, connect with one another and make decisions. CU Boulder experts are available to offer research-based insight into the psychology, technology and social forces influencing the holiday season.

Misleading online ratings and product reviews

Ying Zeng, assistant professor of marketing at the Leeds School of Business, studies digital marketing and consumer decision-making. She can discuss:

Online reviews and ratings: Why star ratings often reflect expectations and price rather than product quality, and how shoppers can misread “good deals.” 

AI and livestreaming commerce: How algorithms, livestream shopping and social platforms are reshaping how people discover, evaluate and buy products during the holidays.

Collector trends and blind-box culture: What toys like Labubu reveal about surprise, scarcity and the psychology behind impulse buying and collectibles.

Not a Christmas tree: An evergreen once-thought extinct takes root at CU Boulder

Malinda Berberio, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology greenhouse manager, is available to discuss the donation of a rare and critically endangered Wollemi pine—fondly nicknamed “Wally,” which resembles a sparse Charlie Brown-style Christmas tree and has taken up roots on campus. Sometimes referred to as the “dinosaur tree,” until relatively recently, it was thought to be extinct for more than two million years. 

Navigating tough conversations

Leaf Van Boven, professor of psychology, studies political polarization, emotion and decision-making. He can discuss strategies for navigating divisive topics at the dinner table, including political partisanship and misinformation sharing. 

Gratitude and relationships during the holidays

Tony Kong, professor of organizational leadership and information analytics at the Leeds School of Business, studies trust, prosocial behavior and gratitude. He can discuss why the way people express gratitude matters, how thoughtful appreciation strengthens relationships and reduces tension, and how gratitude plays a role in families, workplaces and communities during the holiday season.

Year-end fundraising tips

Liu Liu, assistant professor of marketing at the Leeds School of Business, studies of marketing and AI. She can discuss how to make the most of year end fundraising, why the sequence of emotions in a fundraising message—such as moving from sadness to caring—can inspire more people to give.

Sustainable holidays

Phaedra Pezzullo, communications professor and director of the Sustainability and Storytelling Lab and author of “Beyond Strawmen,” can discuss how to reduce plastic use this holiday season and why it’s important.