Center for Media Engagement
@engagingnews.bsky.social
The Center for Media Engagement at UT Austin is a first-of-its-kind center that partners with newsrooms, social media platforms, and public and private organizations to develop research, tools, and strategies that improve media practices.
Journalists are becoming increasingly skeptical of social media platforms while their belief in audiences remains strong. It's interesting to see what it means for the future of audience trust and how news reaches others in an evolving ecosystem.
The perception of the public as a valuable part of news production has remained constant even as the journalistic community’s perception of social media platforms as a central means of improving the public’s role in news production has grown much darker. www.niemanlab.org/2025/11/jour...
Journalists are souring on social media platforms, an analysis of 11 years of Nieman Lab predictions suggests
While these predictions suggest that the journalistic community’s enthusiasm for social media platforms has waned over time, there has been no such change in the perceptions of the people actually…
www.niemanlab.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Journalists are becoming increasingly skeptical of social media platforms while their belief in audiences remains strong. It's interesting to see what it means for the future of audience trust and how news reaches others in an evolving ecosystem.
Digital display ads on news websites capture 40 % more attention than those on other top sites. Video ads do even better!
We’re interested in what this means for how audiences engage with content: when the platform is trusted, does attention and impact go up?
We’re interested in what this means for how audiences engage with content: when the platform is trusted, does attention and impact go up?
Advertisers taking advantage of the trust generated by news brands stand to benefit in comparison to digital ads placed on other Web sites.
Digital display ads on news brand Web sites claim 40% more attention vs. other sites
The trust readers place in news brands makes them an ideal space of real estate for innovative and aligned advertising campaigns.
www.inma.org
November 15, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Digital display ads on news websites capture 40 % more attention than those on other top sites. Video ads do even better!
We’re interested in what this means for how audiences engage with content: when the platform is trusted, does attention and impact go up?
We’re interested in what this means for how audiences engage with content: when the platform is trusted, does attention and impact go up?
As science coverage continues to shape public understanding, new conversations are emerging about how journalists choose which experts to feature.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
November 14, 2025 at 4:05 PM
As science coverage continues to shape public understanding, new conversations are emerging about how journalists choose which experts to feature.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
As science coverage continues to shape public understanding, new conversations are emerging about how journalists choose which experts to feature.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
November 13, 2025 at 3:43 PM
As science coverage continues to shape public understanding, new conversations are emerging about how journalists choose which experts to feature.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
Our research shows that journalists value two things most when selecting scientists: topic expertise and strong communication skills.
Texas is home to one of the highest concentrations of AI data centers in the country, and our recent research explores how Texans view this rapid expansion.
November 13, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Texas is home to one of the highest concentrations of AI data centers in the country, and our recent research explores how Texans view this rapid expansion.
In a world increasingly shaped by complex tech, media literacy tools remain meaningful. While this article focuses on helping kids, the tips are helpful for everyone navigating an AI-assisted media landscape!
1/ “It may seem really overwhelming, that it’s really high tech, but the solutions have been around for a long time. There are some tools that we can teach kids that can help them take some of the power back.” - NLP's Alee Quick in this School Library Journal story
#NewsLiteracy #TLSky
#NewsLiteracy #TLSky
AI-Generated Video and Media Literacy
Librarians’ news literacy lessons are vital to teaching students to identify AI and misinformation on social media.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
In a world increasingly shaped by complex tech, media literacy tools remain meaningful. While this article focuses on helping kids, the tips are helpful for everyone navigating an AI-assisted media landscape!
It’s a dynamic that really shapes what people see online — and how we think about polarization and platform rules.
A new paper analyzes the “production-consumption gap” on social media, where a small subset of users produce most of the content, and considers its implications for the study of phenomena such as political polarization, and for the design of policy interventions. Prithvi Iyer considers the results:
What a New Study Reveals About the Production-Consumption Gap on Social Media | TechPolicy.Press
Prithvi Iyer considers new research on how online content reveals the tip of the iceberg, leading to incorrect inferences about online public opinion.
www.techpolicy.press
November 11, 2025 at 3:56 PM
It’s a dynamic that really shapes what people see online — and how we think about polarization and platform rules.
Texans are feeling the AI footprint in their backyard! Our research shows that while Texans are generally optimistic about the benefits of AI, they don't trust the institutions managing it, and only 31% would support a data center in their community.
AI data centers are straining already fragile power and water infrastructures in communities around the world, leading to blackouts and water shortages. “Data centers are where environmental and social issues meet,” says Rosi Leonard, an environmentalist with @foeireland.bsky.social.
From Mexico to Ireland, Fury Mounts Over a Global A.I. Frenzy
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Texans are feeling the AI footprint in their backyard! Our research shows that while Texans are generally optimistic about the benefits of AI, they don't trust the institutions managing it, and only 31% would support a data center in their community.
An increasing number of adults regularly encounter news with questionable credibility.
This highlights the ongoing challenge for both newsrooms and audiences: helping people identify trustworthy information is more important than ever.
This highlights the ongoing challenge for both newsrooms and audiences: helping people identify trustworthy information is more important than ever.
How Americans’ trust in information from news organizations and social media sites has changed over time
U.S. adults under 30 now trust information from social media almost as much as from national news outlets
Half of 18- to 29-year-olds say they have at least some trust in the information they get from social media sites.
www.pewresearch.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:29 PM
An increasing number of adults regularly encounter news with questionable credibility.
This highlights the ongoing challenge for both newsrooms and audiences: helping people identify trustworthy information is more important than ever.
This highlights the ongoing challenge for both newsrooms and audiences: helping people identify trustworthy information is more important than ever.
The rise in digital-only local news is real and promising but uneven. Though innovation is rising, too many places are still left without local coverage
"News deserts are widening. Newspaper closures continue unabated. Independent publishers are calling it quits at an alarming rate. Yet local digital-only news sites are multiplying. Many are even thriving." localnewsinitiative.northwest...
The State of Local News 2025
The latest insights and trends on the local news landscape across the country. Through data and graphics, explore the state of local news outlets and learn about news deserts, network sites and pathways to sustainability.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu
November 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The rise in digital-only local news is real and promising but uneven. Though innovation is rising, too many places are still left without local coverage
In a media landscape that changes fast, helping people distinguish fact from fiction is more important than ever.
Many Americans say they often come across inaccurate news – and have a hard time knowing what’s true
Many Americans say they often come across inaccurate news – and have a hard time knowing what’s true
Those who report often encountering inaccurate news are more likely than those who rarely or never do to say it’s hard to know what is true (59% vs. 31%).
www.pewresearch.org
November 7, 2025 at 12:15 AM
In a media landscape that changes fast, helping people distinguish fact from fiction is more important than ever.
Active vs. passive news consumption is a key issue when it comes to building healthy media spaces. Learning how people engage with news and how journalists can encourage it is extremely important.
The big divide in American news consumption is less about “left vs. right” than “active vs. passive” www.niemanlab.org/2025/10/the-...
The big divide in American news consumption is less about “left vs. right” than “active vs. passive”
It's an idea I first remember encountering in a 2008 Brian Stelter story in The New York Times. An unnamed college student, asked in a focus group to describe their information consumption habits,…
www.niemanlab.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Active vs. passive news consumption is a key issue when it comes to building healthy media spaces. Learning how people engage with news and how journalists can encourage it is extremely important.
The term “fake news” is everywhere, from political speeches to social media. But what happens to audience trust when it’s used to describe legitimate reporting?
Read more here: mediaengagement.org/...
Read more here: mediaengagement.org/...
November 3, 2025 at 10:06 PM
The term “fake news” is everywhere, from political speeches to social media. But what happens to audience trust when it’s used to describe legitimate reporting?
Read more here: mediaengagement.org/...
Read more here: mediaengagement.org/...
Digital spaces shape how democracy functions and the need to protect pluralism, free expression, and civic participation has never been greater.
Amid deepening threats to pluralism and free expression, support for innovative civil society organizations that counter digital authoritarianism and build democratic infrastructure is key to carving out a freer future, writes Beth Kerley from the National Endowment for Democracy.
Autocrats’ Digital Advances Underscore the Need for Civil Society | TechPolicy.Press
With societies worldwide under threat from authoritarian models, writes Beth Kerley, grassroots initiatives are pivotal to the future of freedom.
buff.ly
November 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Digital spaces shape how democracy functions and the need to protect pluralism, free expression, and civic participation has never been greater.
Ever wish online spaces felt a little more human?
@newpublic.org is exploring what it takes to design digital spaces that build connection instead of conflict and we’re here for it.
@newpublic.org is exploring what it takes to design digital spaces that build connection instead of conflict and we’re here for it.
How do you build digital spaces that actually strengthen communities?
In this webinar with Healthy Places by Design, New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social explains the Civic Signals, a framework for flourishing digital public spaces.
In this webinar with Healthy Places by Design, New_ Public Co-Director @deeptidoshi.bsky.social explains the Civic Signals, a framework for flourishing digital public spaces.
Using Digital Spaces to Strengthen Social Connections
YouTube video by Healthy Places by Design
youtu.be
October 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Ever wish online spaces felt a little more human?
@newpublic.org is exploring what it takes to design digital spaces that build connection instead of conflict and we’re here for it.
@newpublic.org is exploring what it takes to design digital spaces that build connection instead of conflict and we’re here for it.
The evolution of local newsrooms has come with the ongoing challenge of discovering how to better serve, reflect, and connect with their communities.
Change in local media isn't just possible: it's already here.
Check out the new series from our partner Press Forward — “Reimagining Local News” which shines a light on the people and newsroom models across the country that are writing a new chapter for local news. reimagininglocalnews.com
Check out the new series from our partner Press Forward — “Reimagining Local News” which shines a light on the people and newsroom models across the country that are writing a new chapter for local news. reimagininglocalnews.com
Reimagining Local News | by Press Forward & MacArthur Foundation
Across the country, a transformation is underway. While headlines dwell on the decline of local news, newsrooms are rewriting the story by reimagining how local news can serve, inform, and connect our...
reimagininglocalnews.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM
The evolution of local newsrooms has come with the ongoing challenge of discovering how to better serve, reflect, and connect with their communities.
Check out this podcast where Dr @jolukito.bsky.social discusses AI, social media, and political disinformation!
LSE Ballpark | AI, social media, and political disinformation with Dr Josephine Lukito
Contributor(s): Chris Gilson, Josephine Lukito | To talk about social media and politics, and how AI can help spread – or tackle – disinformation, the Phelan US Centre spoke to Dr Josephine Lukito, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism and Media. Her researc
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Check out this podcast where Dr @jolukito.bsky.social discusses AI, social media, and political disinformation!
Paulina Pearson’s research shows influencers are becoming key civic voices, especially when they lead with authenticity and connection.
Read more:
Read more:
Influencing the Vote: How Social Media Influencers are Becoming Opinion Leaders - Center for Media Engagement
Lifestyle creators and influencers can spark political conversations, even when their content isn’t primarily about politics.
mediaengagement.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Paulina Pearson’s research shows influencers are becoming key civic voices, especially when they lead with authenticity and connection.
Read more:
Read more:
Younger people are increasingly turning to social media influencers for information, rather than traditional news media. Creating digestible political content on platforms like TikTok can promote political curiosity, but it doesn’t always lead to action.
October 24, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Younger people are increasingly turning to social media influencers for information, rather than traditional news media. Creating digestible political content on platforms like TikTok can promote political curiosity, but it doesn’t always lead to action.
When tech giants move in, what do we lose? Community, culture, and connection.
“A data center represents a worse deal for locals than a factory like GM’s," Nick Rommel writes. "A piece of land that once fed thousands of union families will feed far fewer," displacing a community while enabling an industry that seeks "to obsolesce human labor.” thebaffler.com/latest/last-...
Last Call at Zoxx Social Club | Nick Rommel
Will a power-guzzling data center take the place of a beloved watering hole in Wisconsin?
thebaffler.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
When tech giants move in, what do we lose? Community, culture, and connection.
🌵Do you live in a news desert?
Most people who live in one don't realize it. News deserts are communities that have one or no local newspapers.
We found that people in news deserts still find ways to stay informed about local issues:
Most people who live in one don't realize it. News deserts are communities that have one or no local newspapers.
We found that people in news deserts still find ways to stay informed about local issues:
Even in "News Deserts" People Still Get News - Center for Media Engagement
The Center for Media Engagement talked to people living in areas defined as news deserts to find out where they’re getting local information – and if it’s helping them stay informed.
mediaengagement.org
October 23, 2025 at 8:08 PM
🌵Do you live in a news desert?
Most people who live in one don't realize it. News deserts are communities that have one or no local newspapers.
We found that people in news deserts still find ways to stay informed about local issues:
Most people who live in one don't realize it. News deserts are communities that have one or no local newspapers.
We found that people in news deserts still find ways to stay informed about local issues:
Why do some people double down on false information even when it’s clearly wrong? A mix of psychology and identity. We’re working to build a media space that connects instead of divides.
Why do some people endorse easily disproven claims? It's seen as a power move - the more outlandish the statement, the stronger one appears for standing by it, social psychologists share the results of their studies:
Winning with misinformation: New research identifies link between endorsing easily disproven claims and prioritizing symbolic strength
Conversations around misinformation that assume everyone cares about literal truth may be missing the point.
buff.ly
October 22, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Why do some people double down on false information even when it’s clearly wrong? A mix of psychology and identity. We’re working to build a media space that connects instead of divides.
Reposted by Center for Media Engagement
Listen to the Ballpark podcast: AI, social media, and political disinformation with Dr @jolukito.bsky.social of @engagingnews.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/20...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/20...
AI, social media, and political disinformation with Dr Josephine Lukito | The Ballpark podcast | USAPP
To talk about social media and politics, and how AI can help spread – or tackle – disinformation, the Phelan US Centre spoke to Dr Josephine Lukito, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at A...
blogs.lse.ac.uk
October 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Listen to the Ballpark podcast: AI, social media, and political disinformation with Dr @jolukito.bsky.social of @engagingnews.bsky.social
blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/20...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/20...
Covering a protest using solidarity reporting, which centers the voices of people experiencing injustice, increased credibility ratings among Democrats compared to a monitorial style.
October 21, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Covering a protest using solidarity reporting, which centers the voices of people experiencing injustice, increased credibility ratings among Democrats compared to a monitorial style.
The question isn’t whether there’s a bubble — it’s what we’ve filled it with: hype, hope, or genuine innovation. And how that mix shapes public trust in technology will matter long after the market corrects.
“In financial markets, a bubble occurs when the level of investment in an asset becomes persistently detached from the amount of profit that asset could plausibly generate,” write Jared Bernstein and Ryan Cummings. “A.I. investment fits that pattern.”
Opinion | The A.I. Bubble Looks Real
The A.I. boom is likely a speculative bubble. Like the dot-com bust and the housing crisis, its pop is going to hurt.
nyti.ms
October 21, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The question isn’t whether there’s a bubble — it’s what we’ve filled it with: hype, hope, or genuine innovation. And how that mix shapes public trust in technology will matter long after the market corrects.