On September 30, 2025, the Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences (FSPAC) at Babeș-Bolyai University hosted a guest lecture by Assoc. Prof. Benjamin K. Johnson from the University of Florida. His presentation, titled “Relaxation Media: Sensory appeals, mindfulness, and soothing routes to persuasion and performance” explored the growing role of digital platforms and entertainment content for advertising.
Prof. Johnson discussed the theoretical frameworks that explain why people turn to media as a form of relaxation, ranging from psychological recovery processes to the regulation of emotions and attention. The lecture stimulated active discussion among faculty members, PhD students, and researchers, who raised questions about methodological approaches to studying relaxation media, cross-cultural perspectives on media use, and the implications for digital well-being.