Research Summary
Despite today’s unprecedented connectivity, digital technologies are deepening societal divisions, fuelling misinformation, and driving online harassment and polarization. These challenges stem from a complex mix of behavioural, social, structural and technological factors, making them difficult to address through single-discipline solutions. As Canada Research Chair in Digital Misinformation, Polarization, and Anti-Social Media, Dr. Jaigris Hodson is taking an interdisciplinary approach to uncover how communication technologies make us more vulnerable to misinformation.
Using frameworks from public health and democracy studies, she and her research team are identifying systemic drivers of misinformation, polarization and anti-social behaviours, and mapping the links between these. They are also testing practical strategies—both digital and analog—to support healthier, more democratic communication. By examining these issues through mixed methods and real-world testing, their work will guide communities, organizations and governments in building safer, more inclusive digital environments.