Today, April 20, 2026, doctoral candidate Hrvoje Smoljić successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “The Impact of Innovations in Communication Technologies on the Development of Hyper-Personal Communication.”

The defense committee consisted of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blaž Rodič and Prof. Dr. Mateja Rek.

He completed his doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dejan Jelovac and co-supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana Globočnik Žunac.

Abstract of the doctoral thesis:

This dissertation focuses on examining how innovations in communication technologies impact the way we communicate on a hyperpersonal level. The concept of hyperpersonal communication refers to communication that takes place through technological platforms, potentially surpassing the effectiveness of traditional face-to-face communication. Given the increasingly sophisticated communication technologies, new and increasingly important questions arise about how these technologies change our communication and relationships with others. This dissertation conducts a detailed analysis of how innovations such as 5G technology can affect hyperpersonal communication and the possible social implications of this phenomenon. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of this relevant topic and to contribute to the scientific literature in this field. To better understand this topic, we conducted extensive research using a survey questionnaire. Individuals of different genders, age groups, education levels, years of work experience, employment status, and types of employment were surveyed. The survey questions focused on the types of communication technologies people use most frequently, which provide them with the highest level of privacy, how they perceive the impact of innovations in communication technologies on the quality of their communication relationships, and how they use technologies for hyperpersonal communication. Additionally, the dissertation explores how people assess their ability to control the information they share during hyperpersonal communication, in which situations they prefer hyperpersonal communication over interpersonal communication, and how they evaluate the impact of innovations in communication technologies on their ability to build deeper relationships with others. Throughout this dissertation, the complex relationship between people and communication technologies is illustrated, with particular emphasis on the impact of these technologies on the quality of communication and the ways in which people use and adapt to these technologies.

Sincere congratulations!