Making the moral of the story stick − a media psychologist explains the research behind ‘Sesame Street,’ ‘Arthur’ and other children’s TV

Many children’s educational shows undergo pre-screening to make sure each episode delivers its intended message. Adult viewers watching alongside kids can help ensure the lessons are well received.

Samantha Vigil, Ph.D. Candidate in Communication, University of California, Davis • conversation
Feb. 23, 2024 • ~9 min

Climate disaster movies resonate in ways that news never will

This powerful new eco drama suggests “cli-fi” could play a crucial role in climate communication.

Oli Mould, Professor in Human Geography, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
Jan. 24, 2024 • ~6 min

How a New York Times copyright lawsuit against OpenAI could potentially transform how AI and copyright work

The lawsuit could see other media companies move to protect their copyrighted content.

Dinusha Mendis, Professor of Intellectual Property and Innovation Law; Director Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Managament (CIPPM), Bournemouth University, Bournemouth University • conversation
Jan. 17, 2024 • ~8 min

Myths about plastic pollution are leading to public confusion: here's why

Media coverage of the dangers of plastic pollution can distract from what is actually needed, says an author.

Lesley Henderson, Chair professor, University of Strathclyde • conversation
Nov. 20, 2023 • ~8 min

Should the media tell you when they use AI to report the news? What consumers should know

Media companies should set up guidelines for how they are using AI.

François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Central Lancashire • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 • ~6 min

EU files antitrust charges against Google – here's how the ad tech at the heart of the case works

Antitrust suits against Google for its advertising practices center on the technology for buying and selling online ads. A computer scientist explains how these ad networks work.

Eric Zeng, Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University • conversation
June 15, 2023 • ~10 min

The allure of the ad-lib: New research identifies why people prefer spontaneity in entertainment

Audiences love improvised, off-the-cuff entertainment, and new research suggests it’s because spontaneity seems to offer a glimpse of the performer’s authentic self.

Katherine Du, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee • conversation
June 2, 2023 • ~5 min

Beware of 'Shark Week': Scientists watched 202 episodes and found them filled with junk science, misinformation and white male 'experts' named Mike

A recent study offers evidence that marine biology’s biggest stage is broken, and suggests ways to fix it.

David Shiffman, Post-Doctoral and Research Scholar in Marine Biology, Arizona State University • conversation
Nov. 30, 2022 • ~10 min

Why 'bad' ads appear on 'good' websites – a computer scientist explains

A combination of volume, technology and financial need has opened the door to sleazy and dangerous advertisements on reputable websites.

Eric Zeng, PhD Candidate in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington • conversation
April 13, 2022 • ~10 min

Ukraine: how social media images from the ground could be affecting our response to the war

To think about the ways in which images engage audiences, we can consider Europe’s response to two major refugee crises.

Manos Tsakiris, Professor of Psychology, Director of the Centre for the Politics of Feelings, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
March 15, 2022 • ~7 min

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