Dr. Syed Ali Hussain’s research is focused on the positive aspects of social media to provide digital audiences a safe and productive environment for online interactions. His research includes how individuals living with depression express their feelings and emotions through photographs on social media and how virtual reality videos can relieve depression.

Hussain also has done research on religious tolerance. He has studied the use of storytelling to reduce bias toward immigrants in the U.S and has explored the use of nostalgic emotional appeals to improve attitudes and intentions to help immigrant populations.