• James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects, Co-Director, Media Effects Research Laboratory, & Director, Center for Socially Responsible AI, Penn State
The new generation of AI tools makes it a lot easier to produce convincing misinformation. Photo by Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Regulating AI: 3 experts explain why it’s difficult to do and important to get right

Powerful new AI systems could amplify fraud and misinformation, leading to widespread calls for government regulation. But doing so is easier said than done and could have unintended consequences.
Protesters gather at Indiana University in June 2021 to demonstrate against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students, staff and faculty. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Forceful vaccine messages backfire with holdouts – how can it be done better?

Subtly shifting the crafting and delivery of public health messaging on COVID-19 vaccines could go a long way toward persuading many of the unvaccinated to get the shot.
Your finger may hover, but it’s hard get rid of it once and for all. ymgerman/Shutterstock.com

Why it’s so hard to #DeleteFacebook: Constant psychological boosts keep you hooked

Social media provide shortcuts to things we yearn for, like connection and validation. Media effects scholars explain the psychological benefits we get from Facebook that make it so hard to quit.
Traditional media gatekeepers are toast. 'Toaster' via www.shutterstock.com

Why do we fall for fake news?

Researcher who has studied online news for 20 years says people fall for fake news because they don’t value journalistic sources and consider themselves and their friends as credible news sources.

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