Affiliation(s):

• Wayne State University Department of Communication

My recent research interests are focused on understanding how different social media features impact audience processing of information and addressing the challenges and problems associated with social media, particularly in terms of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. I have studied the behavioral and cognitive effects of social media features for various topics, such as crisis and political communication. I have also examined how individuals process real and false information in various contexts. I am also interested understanding how to correct misbelief and misunderstanding caused by false online information, particularly in the context of science communication.

After the term ‘fake news’ started to float around in the daily social media conversations in 2016, I felt heavy in the heart that such term could be used so widely on a media channel that I have spent my entire PhD degree studying as a research topic. As my research is guided by my own media use, I became naturally concerned about the spread of false information via social media platforms. In a way, I have felt a professional obligation to understand what fake news is, how audiences process real and false information, and how such misperceptions can be addressed. This concern has also led me to be interested in communicating corrective messages on social media that can address the spread of science misinformation. This is something we saw frequently during COVID19 where any tidbits of scientific data frequently turned into misinformation on social media platforms and became understood as the scientific truth. I am currently working on several projects that examines how scientific uncertainty is communicated as well as what can be the best way to communicate corrective messages for such misinformation

Recently, I have started to explore the topic of communicating scientific uncertainty for journalists as well as public relations professionals. During the pandemic, I’ve noticed that in the end, for the public, the primary source of changes and developments in scientific research related to COVID19 is the mainstream news media. Journalists also have the platform to work closely with scientists to correct any false information circulating or address any misunderstanding. Equipping journalists and other communication professionals on how they can work with scientists to better explain and communicate scientific uncertainty without causing any panic or unnecessary concern is something that I’m finding very interesting and important.

While I primarily see myself as a media psychologist, I am still fascinated with everything in political communication as that’s the field I started my academic journey. So my favorite research paper and books are from the field of political communication. As for research paper, it will have to be ‘Seeing is remembering: How visuals contribute to learning from television news’ written by Doris Graber. This was the paper that started my whole academic journey in media effects research. As for the book, I still often cite and recommend Niche News: The politics of news choice by Talia Stroud.

I am fortunate to have a role model in communication studies/mass communication right in my own department: Dr. Kat Maguire. She is a rock star scholar, a compassionate and enthusiastic instructor, a strong leader, and a loving mother and wife. I’m not joking when I say I want to be her when I grow up.

I love knitting/crocheting! It helps me calm down think clearly when I’m stuck with anything. I’ve had several ‘Eureka!’ moments while knitting so I always have yarn/needles around my desk. I also recently restarted taking piano lessons after nearly 20-year hiatus, and it has been a tremendous comfort with all COVID19 stress.