New study examines the modeling of civic engagement in the age of AI

Friday September 18, 2026

A new study has found that public engagement with artificial intelligence (AI)-related issues depends on where people encounter AI news, how they discuss it and which sources and institutions they have come to trust. The findings by Seungahn Nah, University …

AI news and mobile apps can expand integrated storytelling networks

Tuesday January 27, 2026

A new study has found that emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) news and mobile apps, are becoming integral to civic engagement. The findings were featured in “Expanding Integrated Storytelling Networks: The Role of AI …

Study: Human Qualities of Virtual Influencers Can Affect Trustworthiness in Parasocial Relationships

Wednesday October 23, 2024

A new study has found that consumers rely on distinct criteria at different relationship stages to evaluate the trustworthiness of virtual influencers. The findings by University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) graduate student …

Look Who’s Talking: Celebrity Causes vs. AI-Powered Advocacy

Wednesday September 25, 2024

Is a celebrity’s endorsement truly helpful for a given cause? It depends on how authentic they seem. Despite the rise of AI-powered influencers, people still tend to trust their fellow humans, even if their motives are partly driven by profit.

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Study: The Advantage of Virtual Influencers in Commercial Marketing May Not Enhance Their Role in Advocacy for Social Causes

Wednesday August 14, 2024

A new study has found that the advantages of virtual influencers in commercial marketing do not necessarily enhance their role in advocacy for social causes. The findings by Miami University Assistant Professor Leping You, Ph.D. 2020, and University of …

Study: Facial Recognition Technology in Human-Robot Interaction Enhances Users’ Robot Acceptance

Thursday June 20, 2024

A new study suggests that the transparency of facial recognition technology in human–robot interaction increases users’ social presence, reduces privacy concerns and enhances users’ acceptance of robots. The findings by Kun Xu, University of Florida …

Empowering Citizens in the Age of AI: The Importance of Efficacy and Literacy

Tuesday April 9, 2024

For years, researchers have grappled with understanding the relationship between technology and political behavior. A team of researchers has developed a novel approach to examine how AI-related news consumption, discussions and literacy influence citizens’ support for AI policies.

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Study: Virtual Influencers are Perceived as Less Effective in Comparison with Human Influencers

Wednesday February 7, 2024

A new study has found that virtual influencers are perceived as less authentic across all product types. The findings by University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) doctoral student Fanjue Liu and UFCJC Media Production, Management …

Study: Frequent Consumption of AI-Related News Can Lead to Increased AI Literacy and Support of AI Policies and Regulation

Tuesday January 2, 2024

A new study has found that frequent consumption of artificial intelligence (AI)-related news amplifies political discussion about AI and leads to increased AI literacy and support of AI policies and regulation. The findings by University of Florida College of …