Interviews with experts and discussions of propaganda techniques, disinformation, and conspiracy theories.
The Shift from Journalism to Propaganda
Dr. Sarah Oates discusses the fundamental shift in U.S. media from journalism to propaganda.
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Published: January 21, 2022
Building Resilience to Disinformation
Dr. Peter Warren Singer details the new rules that govern social media weaponization and how average citizens can avoid becoming part of the problem.
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Published: January 21, 2022
The Virality of Disinformation on Social Media
Dr. Filippo Menczer explains how the natural structure and dynamics of social media inevitably leads to echo chambers.
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Published: January 06, 2022
Deb Lavoy discuss how foreign actors use standard marketing techniques to spread disinformation on social media.
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Published: December 04, 2021
The Evolution of Character Assassination
Dr. Sergei Samoilenko discusses ad hominem attacks and how character assassination is evolving with technology.
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Published: December 02, 2021
A Case Study in Disinformation
Dr. Michael O’Brien recalls the misinformation firestorm that ensued on the Mizzou campus following the death of Michael Brown.
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Published: November 25, 2021
The Challenge of False Narratives
Paulina Alvarado-Goldman discusses the destabilizing effects of widespread false narratives.
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Published: November 06, 2021
Teaching Media Literacy in a Polarized Classroom
Dr. Renee Hobbs discusses the unique challenges of teaching about propaganda and disinformation in American public schools.
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Published: October 12, 2021
Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat details the common playbook populist strongmen use to rise to and hold on to power.
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Published: June 15, 2021
Combating Polarization and Defending Truth
Jonathan Rauch discusses overcoming polarization and the critical role norms and institutions play in defending truth.
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Published: June 10, 2021
The Unique Danger of Conspiracy Theories
Dr. Adams Enders discusses the unique challenges conspiracy theories pose and why they are so hard to dislodge once they take hold.
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Published: May 02, 2021
Dr. Axel Barcelo explores when a whataboutism might be more than just a form of fallacious argumentation.
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Published: April 14, 2021
The Need for Critical Media Literacy
Dr. Jeff Share talks about the urgency for critical media literacy in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
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Published: April 14, 2021
Sowing Discord through Trolling
Dr. Josephine Lukito discusses how Russian trolls, posing as Americans online, sow discord and heighten U.S. political and racial divisions.
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Published: April 08, 2021
The Firehose of Falsehood Effect
Dr. Christopher Paul discusses going up against the "firehose of falsehood" and strategies to counter its formidable impact.
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Published: March 19, 2021
The "Umbrella Protection" of Inoculation
Dr. Bobi Ivanov discusses the endurance and virality of inoculation messaging and its role in building "umbrella protection."
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Published: March 19, 2021
Buying into Conspiracy Theories
Dr. Dannagal Young discusses the emotional traits those buying into conspiracy theories have in common and what those close to them can do about it.
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Published: March 03, 2021
Dr. Louis de Sassure discusses the social mechanics of straw men and why they can be effective, even when exposed.
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Published: January 21, 2021
How Intuition Fuels Conspiracy
Dr. Eric Oliver explains how intuitionism and feelings of uncertainty fuel conspiracy theories and intensify political polarization.
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Published: January 11, 2021
Building Resistance through Inoculation
Dr. John Banas discusses how attitudes and beliefs can be protected against persuasion through inoculation.
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Published: December 28, 2020
Normalizing Character Assassination
Dr. Sergei Samoilenko discusses ad hominem and the normalization of character assassination.
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Published: December 10, 2020
Dr. John Cook discusses the seven traits of conspiratorial thinking and how conspiracy theories are immune to evidence.
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Published: November 11, 2020
How Repetition & Familiarity Influence Truth
Dr. Tom Stafford explores the relationship between the illusory truth and mere exposure effects and how each influences what we perceive as true.
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Published: October 02, 2020
Bill Grueskin discusses the subtle messaging behind dog whistles and the challenges they pose for journalists.
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Published: September 18, 2020
Dr. Alexander Douglas talks about the origins of scapegoating and the social and political function it serves.
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Published: September 17, 2020
