Lecturer · Researcher
Lecturer in Operations Research and Business Analytics at Stellenbosch University, researching natural language processing, sentiment diffusion and agent-based simulation of social systems.
Research focus
Extracting affective information from unstructured text.
How affective information spreads through connected populations.
Simulating how affective information shapes collective behaviour.
Learning to detect and classify affective information in data.
Regstreekse uitsending van Spektrum op RSG by die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees 2026: Duisende inwoners in die Tshwane-metro is steeds sonder krag. Miljoene onderwysers wêreldwyd teen 2030 benodig. Het die verbod op selfone in die klaskamer ‘n positiewe uitwerking op leerlinge se akademiese prestasie? Die Stellenbosch Wynroete vier sy 55ste bestaansjaar.
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A Stellenbosch University researcher has found that negative emotions can be reinforced through social media interactions, with people experiencing depression particularly affected.
Read article →Dr. Kurt Marais of Stellenbosch University explains the concept of emotional reinforcement online, describing how negative sentiments can amplify among individuals with depression. The study analysed over twelve thousand posts, identified patterns of activity between 10pm and 5am, and highlighted the importance of anonymity in online mental health communities. He discusses the broader implications for social media research and the need for careful consumption of digital content.
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Dr. Kurt Marais het sosiale media se emosionele impak op geestesgesondheid bestudeer en ‘n leksikon ontwikkel vir die akkurate ontleding van depressieverwante taal aanlyn.
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Study highlights ‘emotional reinforcement’ – when people amplify each other’s emotions online. Effect stronger among people with depression. Researcher developed reliable depression-specific lexicon.
Read article →Marais, K. (2026). The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society, 16(2), 153-178.
Lecturer | Department of Logistics
Stellenbosch University | Stellenbosch, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 808 3877
Email: maraisk@sun.ac.za