Commentary
A Smarter Way to Disagree
Focus Areas
Information Integrity & Trust
Unraveling what shapes trust in news and civic information—and how we can strengthen it in today’s media landscape.
Related Research Initiatives
Behavioral Insights Group, Civic Health & Institutions Project (CHIP50), Constructive Disagreement Project, Documentary Film in the Public Interest Initiative, Lerner Lab, The HKS Misinformation Review, The Journalist’s Resource
Trust in information is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and technological factors, and the Shorenstein Center investigates what drives people to believe or doubt the media and information they encounter. Our research explores not only the systems and impacts of misinformation and disinformation but also the broader principles that underpin audience engagement and trust. We also support the dissemination of high-quality information by providing tools and guidance to help journalists, filmmakers, and media creators incorporate academic research and expert knowledge into their reporting. Through our interdisciplinary approach, the Center aims to better understand and strengthen the trustworthiness of information.
Publications & Resources
Videos
Vanishing Numbers: How Federal Data Manipulation and Removal Threaten Journalism and Public Trust
Reports & Papers
CHIP50 Report #115: American attitudes toward government interventions in science
News
Center News
Remembering Brandi Collins-Dexter
Center News
Jonathan C. Ong, PhD, 2022-23 Schuster Media and Technology Fellow
Center News
Spring 2022 News Leaders Summit Cohort
Featured Event
Dubious News and the Aging American: Understanding Discernment and Engagement Among Older Adults
In this talk, Professor Lyons will explore the question “Why do older adults engage more with misinformation online, even when they often identify falsehoods correctly in surveys?” This event is part of the Speaker Series on Misinformation, co-sponsored by the Shorenstein Center for Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School and the Network Science Institute at Northeastern University.
Hybrid
Wexner Building - W-434 A.B. Conference Room & Zoom
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Building Knowledge
The Shorenstein Center researches media, audience, and influence through a range of lenses and disciplines.