New Twitter, now with more hate
A USC analysis finds that hate is up, hateful content is more hateful and there’s been no meaningful change in the quantity of bots since Elon Musk purchased the platform in October.
USC study reveals the key reason why fake news spreads on social media
The USC-led study of more than 2,400 Facebook users suggests that platforms — more than individual users — have a larger role to play in stopping the spread of misinformation online.
Homing in on how social media and other technology intersects with racial discrimination
Does technology build and support community or weaken and undermine it? USC Gould visiting professor Ángel Díaz wants to know.
How to eliminate anti-LGBTQ bias in text prediction
New research at USC shows how to train a popular language model to remove homophobic, anti-queer bias.
Largest ever study of tobacco content on social media links exposure to tobacco use
A global analysis of 29 studies led by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds tobacco-related content on social media may recruit young users.
Tracking anti-science views via social media could help shape public health strategies
Anti-science attitudes and political ideology often go hand in hand, a USC study finds, which means machine-analyzed data could offer clues as to where diseases like COVID-19 might spread.
No, you are not addicted to your digital device, but you may have a habit you want to break
It’s a mistake to equate frequent social media use with addiction, note two USC researchers: Unlike with addiction, frequent social media users sometimes benefit and sometimes suffer.
‘Socialism’ is a trigger word on social media – but real discussion is going on amid the screaming
A USC social media expert through more than 14,000 online posts. He found support for socialism — and attacks on it — appear to be on the rise.
How Americans can help stop fake news
Worried about democracy? Concerned about inaccuracies regarding COVID-19? USC researchers share how all of us could assist in limiting the spread of misinformation.
Election 2020 chatter on Twitter busy with bots and conspiracy theorists
A new USC study finds that — just as in 2016 — automated accounts and foreign interference are infesting social media conversations about the upcoming election.
USC Annenberg faculty, students and alumni are giving voice to those facing trauma and injustice
Trojan communication pros are using an expanding repertoire of tools and media platforms to bear witness to those experiences and push for positive change.
‘Say it again’: Is this meme entertaining or belittling?
A USC Annenberg doctoral student discovers how social media can cut both ways.
Two USC alums devote themselves to anti-racism education
Through Instagram, Google Docs and a website, Autumn Gupta and Bryanna Wallace are offering ways for people to educate themselves about racism and white privilege.
USC senior dance students show off their choreography on Instagram
When COVID-19 caused the cancellation of USC Kaufman’s spring performance, the school’s seniors turned to social media for one last dance.
‘Reopen’ protest movement created and boosted by fake grassroots tactics
A USC Annenberg fellow notes that powerful forces are egging on the protests — forces who want their influence to remain secret.
Will Ferrell sends words of encouragement to USC students, staff and faculty
The USC alumnus checks in on his fellow Trojans — and hints at a surprise to come.
USC researchers analyze false coronavirus claims on Twitter
The USC Viterbi team studied more than 5 million tweets to better understand how and why information — and misinformation — spreads during a pandemic.
Social media fuels wave of coronavirus misinformation as users focus on popularity, not accuracy
A social media expert at the Keck School of Medicine of USC notes that people fail to stop and think sufficiently about whether content is accurate before they share it — and most social media platforms aren’t designed to prioritize the best information.
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.