2020 survey explores what people will tweet, tattoo, stream and share this year
The latest Relevance Report from USC Annenberg offers a glimpse into the topics, trends, brands and technologies that’ll connect with the average American in 2020.
This holiday, take photos for fun, not for social media
New research from USC Marshall finds that taking photos can actually make experiences more enjoyable, as long as you’re not taking them just to share with others.
Social media bots often tweet fake health claims about cannabis, USC study reveals
Researchers analyzed tens of thousands of tweets and found that social bots frequently shared false information about cannabis’s medicinal benefits.
Cringing at How Teens Talk? Surprise — Language Changes
From gender-neutral words to textspeak, language often has undergone controversial shifts — and no amount of grumbling can stop it.
USC Annenberg graduate got his start on YouTube
While living in Saigon, Kyle Le was asked to find someone’s long-long sister. He filmed the phone reunion, which started him down a path to YouTube fame and now a master’s in digital social media from USC Annenberg.
Thanks to social networks, our world is getting smaller
A researcher at USC’s Information Sciences Institute explains how social networks further decrease the distance between ourselves and others.
Examining a video’s changes over time helps flag deepfakes
A USC Information Sciences Institute team has found a new and seemingly more accurate way to aid in deepfake video detection.
What makes an ad go viral on YouTube?
Unlike expensive TV time, YouTube is free and has over 1 billion users. But how do you grab them with an enticing ad? One USC Marshall professor has a few tips.
Law student by day, news-breaking NBA insider by night
Meet Arye Abraham, the only student at the USC Gould School of Law with more than 38,000 Twitter followers and dozens of NBA contacts in his cellphone.
Study finds e-cigarette cartoon ads may increase young adults’ likelihood of vaping
USC researchers discovered that young adults who had never used e-cigarettes were more likely to start if they recognized the cartoons used in their ads.
Study: Exposure to videos of race-based violence can lead to mental health issues
A new USC study finds that viewing violent videos of police shootings may be harmful to the mental health of adolescents of color.
Social media entrepreneurs: Community leaders or corporate sellouts?
USC Annenberg’s David Craig delves into the fragile distinction between leading an online community and being a corporate-backed influencer.
How tobacco companies use social media to hook a new generation of smokers
USC’s Robert Kozinets documents how Big Tobacco is crafting creative Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns — with dubious motives.
USC tackles ‘loneliness epidemic’ in a world of social media
Feeling alone at college, especially as a freshman, is nothing new. But in an era of Facebook friends and Instagram followers, Trojans consider: How do you encourage real friendships?
E-scooter companies should consider safety on social media, USC study finds
Research suggests that the vehicles aren’t promoted with protective gear in mind.
How athletes are building and leveraging their personal brands
USC experts join with the NFL to guide players on everything from public speaking to social media.
What is the line between cultural appropriation and appreciation?
A panel of experts, including MacArthur “Genius Grant” awardees Viet Thanh Nguyen and Josh Kun, explains the history of cultural appropriation and growing awareness in the digital era.
Fake news isn’t just bad news: It’s bad for the bottom line, too
USC Marshall research also suggests that Facebook users who help expose falsehoods should be compensated.
5 ways to stay safe on social media
USC researchers weigh in on the biggest social media dangers — and how to avoid them.
Grandparents’ move to Facebook spurs both embarrassing ‘fails’ and opportunities
Social networks are like nightclubs — where parents and grandparents sometimes crash the party — USC expert says.
How Twitter, Instagram and other Social Media are Transforming Diplomacy
The USC Center of Public Diplomacy’s Jay Wang weighs in on how technology is changing the rules of policymaking.
Social media posts may signal whether a protest will become violent
USC study also finds that people are more likely to condone using violence to defend their beliefs when they think others share their moral values.
Is this the beginning of the end for Facebook?
In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and a #DeleteFacebook movement, USC experts look at how this week’s events might impact the social network.
Stalking in the age of social media
Unwanted phone calls or texts? Threats of violence or blackmail? If this sounds familiar, you may be a victim of stalkers, USC expert says.