SEMINAR:How to change environments to regulate problematic behaviors

Guest: Ceren Budak, University of Michigan

Title: How to change environments to regulate problematic behaviors (EE, CS, IE)

Date/Time: December 19, 2024, 13:40

Location: FASS 1010

Abstract: This talk is inspired by the role of environments in shaping behaviors. Through the discussion of two studies, we will ask: how do/should we construct environments in ways that regulate problematic behaviors?

We will first focus on our social environments and their role in the misinformation ecosystem. Many studies explore how individuals get exposed to misinformation. The social connections that we make (and break) play a big role in such exposure. To better understand the evolution of this social environment, we will ask: Do people organically sever ties to misinformation spreaders? And what predicts them doing so? As part of this discussion, we will also briefly cover the challenges in defining and detecting misinformation.

In the second part of the talk, we will focus on designing environments to regulate problematic behaviors. Focusing on out-party animosity this time, we will discuss the use of games to deliver polarization reduction interventions in a fun and engaging environment.

Bio:  Ceren Budak is an Associate Professor of Information and Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her research interests lie in the area of computational social science. She utilizes network science, machine learning, and crowdsourcing methods and draws from scientific knowledge across multiple social science communities to contribute computational methods to the field of political communication. Her recent scholarship is focused on topics related to news production and consumption, election campaigns, and online social movements.