Center for an Informed Public
@cip.uw.edu
A multidisciplinary research center at the University of Washington in Seattle helping individuals, communities and institutions navigate our complex information environments.
Website: cip.uw.edu
Website: cip.uw.edu
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Emmett’s thread offers a very succinct summary of our team’s recent “frameworks” paper, which describes our motivation and methodological approach for supporting collective sensemaking thru rapid research in a university setting. We’re planning another full deployment for the 2026 U.S. election.
Last week I wrote about how these rumor disasters happen and a little comms advice on how to prep and respond. But the @cip.uw.edu recently wrote a approach that could be expanded to inoculate communities by covering in real time how rumors spread. 🧵
/1
/1
1/ Ever wonder how a rumor in MN becomes a physical confrontation in WA in 72 hours? It’s a new model: Participatory Disinformation. WA's digital ecosystem is perfectly primed for these outbreaks. 🧵
January 13, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Emmett’s thread offers a very succinct summary of our team’s recent “frameworks” paper, which describes our motivation and methodological approach for supporting collective sensemaking thru rapid research in a university setting. We’re planning another full deployment for the 2026 U.S. election.
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Postdoctoral positions: Our team at the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public is accepting applications for up to two postdoc positions, starting in Fall 2026. Priority deadline is Jan 15. If you know someone who might be interested, let them know!
We're currently accepting applications to hire up to two @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholars to join our team in Seattle. The priority deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Postdoctoral positions: Our team at the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public is accepting applications for up to two postdoc positions, starting in Fall 2026. Priority deadline is Jan 15. If you know someone who might be interested, let them know!
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) welcomed Ryan Calo to their board. Professor Calo teaches in both @uwlaw.bsky.social and the Information School, and co-founded @techpolicylab.bsky.social & @cip.uw.edu. He's testified before the Senate 4x. @rcalo.bsky.social epic.org/press-releas...
PRESS RELEASE: EPIC Welcomes Three Distinguished Members to its Board of Directors
epic.org
January 5, 2026 at 8:53 PM
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) welcomed Ryan Calo to their board. Professor Calo teaches in both @uwlaw.bsky.social and the Information School, and co-founded @techpolicylab.bsky.social & @cip.uw.edu. He's testified before the Senate 4x. @rcalo.bsky.social epic.org/press-releas...
We're currently accepting applications to hire up to two @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholars to join our team in Seattle. The priority deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:48 PM
We're currently accepting applications to hire up to two @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholars to join our team in Seattle. The priority deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
For the position description, salary range, qualifications and application process, click here: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Since 2020, our team has iterated on a model for “rapid research” to help surface, analyze, & resolve rumors about election administration. This work demonstrates an innovative role for researchers to support public sensemaking during rapidly unfolding events.
uw.pressbooks.pub/rapidresearc...
uw.pressbooks.pub/rapidresearc...
Being Sensemakers: A Framework for University-Based Rapid Research of Elections, Crisis Events, and Beyond – Simple Book Publishing
A framework for university-based rapid research of elections, crisis events, and beyond
uw.pressbooks.pub
December 16, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Since 2020, our team has iterated on a model for “rapid research” to help surface, analyze, & resolve rumors about election administration. This work demonstrates an innovative role for researchers to support public sensemaking during rapidly unfolding events.
uw.pressbooks.pub/rapidresearc...
uw.pressbooks.pub/rapidresearc...
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Recently accepted at ICWSM: arxiv.org/abs/2512.06129 (w/ @kayladuskin.bsky.social, @katestarbird.bsky.social, and @emmaspiro.bsky.social)
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
Rabble-Rousers in the New King's Court: Algorithmic Effects on Account Visibility in Pre-X Twitter
Algorithmic effects on social media platforms have come under recent scrutiny, with several works reporting that right-leaning accounts tend to receive more exposure. In this paper, we expand upon thi...
arxiv.org
December 10, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Recently accepted at ICWSM: arxiv.org/abs/2512.06129 (w/ @kayladuskin.bsky.social, @katestarbird.bsky.social, and @emmaspiro.bsky.social)
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
🧵A new tool developed by researchers, including @cip.uw.edu faculty member @msaveski.bsky.social, shows it is possible to reduce partisan rancor in an X feed — without removing political posts and without the direct cooperation of the platform. (1/3) www.washington.edu/news/2025/12...
Social media research tool can reduce polarization — it could also lead to more user control over algorithms
A web-based method was shown to mitigate political polarization on X by nudging antidemocratic and extremely negative partisan posts lower in a user’s feed. The tool, which is independent of the...
www.washington.edu
December 9, 2025 at 7:23 PM
🧵A new tool developed by researchers, including @cip.uw.edu faculty member @msaveski.bsky.social, shows it is possible to reduce partisan rancor in an X feed — without removing political posts and without the direct cooperation of the platform. (1/3) www.washington.edu/news/2025/12...
“Our information systems reward the production of mystery and speculation,” @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholar @mertcanbayar.bsky.social recently wrote in a blog post about online discourse around the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet.
Read more in @geekwire.com: www.geekwire.com/2025/alien-i...
Read more in @geekwire.com: www.geekwire.com/2025/alien-i...
The buzz over an ‘alien’ interstellar comet shows how way-out speculation goes viral
Is an interstellar comet actually an alien spaceship? A researcher traces how influencers spread such speculation via social media.
www.geekwire.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:02 AM
“Our information systems reward the production of mystery and speculation,” @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholar @mertcanbayar.bsky.social recently wrote in a blog post about online discourse around the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet.
Read more in @geekwire.com: www.geekwire.com/2025/alien-i...
Read more in @geekwire.com: www.geekwire.com/2025/alien-i...
We're currently seeking nomination materials for the @cip.uw.edu Award for Impact & Excellence. The submission deadline is January 15, 2026.
Complete information: www.cip.uw.edu/cip-award-im...
Complete information: www.cip.uw.edu/cip-award-im...
December 8, 2025 at 10:09 PM
We're currently seeking nomination materials for the @cip.uw.edu Award for Impact & Excellence. The submission deadline is January 15, 2026.
Complete information: www.cip.uw.edu/cip-award-im...
Complete information: www.cip.uw.edu/cip-award-im...
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object we’ve seen. Astronomers see an interesting but natural comet. Online, it quickly became an “alien mothership” with a secret mission. I wrote about how that happened and what it tells us about us and our info systems.
Alien of the gaps: How 3I/ATLAS was turned into a spaceship online
When we reach the frontier of current knowledge, we’re tempted to insert a higher power into the space where answers aren’t yet satisfying for all.
www.cip.uw.edu
December 5, 2025 at 1:34 AM
3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object we’ve seen. Astronomers see an interesting but natural comet. Online, it quickly became an “alien mothership” with a secret mission. I wrote about how that happened and what it tells us about us and our info systems.
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Giving a talk in #Seattle at Ada’s Technical Books Monday, December 8. Please join & share? Thanks! My book is on backorder 💅 but Ada’s has copies in stock. 😉
December 4, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Giving a talk in #Seattle at Ada’s Technical Books Monday, December 8. Please join & share? Thanks! My book is on backorder 💅 but Ada’s has copies in stock. 😉
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
In the latest from @cip.uw.edu, Mert Can Bayar @mertcanbayar.bsky.social analyzes how knowledge gaps can lead to the spread of speculative theories, such as those shared by a Harvard astrophysicist that the comet known as 3l/ATLAS might be an alien "mothership." (1/3)
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
Alien of the gaps: How 3I/ATLAS was turned into a spaceship online
When we reach the frontier of current knowledge, we’re tempted to insert a higher power into the space where answers aren’t yet satisfying for all.
www.cip.uw.edu
December 5, 2025 at 12:37 AM
In the latest from @cip.uw.edu, Mert Can Bayar @mertcanbayar.bsky.social analyzes how knowledge gaps can lead to the spread of speculative theories, such as those shared by a Harvard astrophysicist that the comet known as 3l/ATLAS might be an alien "mothership." (1/3)
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
UW CIP postdoc @mertcanbayar.bsky.social explains how a high-profile scientist's statements about the 3l/ATLAS comet harnessed uncertainty and attention dynamics, and spawned widespread speculation about an alien visitor, an "alien of the gaps" in human knowledge: www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
Alien of the gaps: How 3I/ATLAS was turned into a spaceship online
When we reach the frontier of current knowledge, we’re tempted to insert a higher power into the space where answers aren’t yet satisfying for all.
www.cip.uw.edu
December 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
UW CIP postdoc @mertcanbayar.bsky.social explains how a high-profile scientist's statements about the 3l/ATLAS comet harnessed uncertainty and attention dynamics, and spawned widespread speculation about an alien visitor, an "alien of the gaps" in human knowledge: www.cip.uw.edu/2025/12/03/3...
We recently co-hosted a webinar, "Understanding and Navigating Political Divides," featuring research presentations from CIP postdoctoral scholar @alextheefstra.bsky.social and CIP research scientist @maddyjalbert.bsky.social.
Watch the webinar: youtu.be/jbpGgVHIivE?...
Watch the webinar: youtu.be/jbpGgVHIivE?...
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
We recently co-hosted a webinar, "Understanding and Navigating Political Divides," featuring research presentations from CIP postdoctoral scholar @alextheefstra.bsky.social and CIP research scientist @maddyjalbert.bsky.social.
Watch the webinar: youtu.be/jbpGgVHIivE?...
Watch the webinar: youtu.be/jbpGgVHIivE?...
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
The UW Center for an Informed Public is looking for postdocs (for 2026-2028) from across diverse disciplines whose research sheds light on the challenges of our modern information environment, promotes civic health, and/or helps people/communities navigate online spaces: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Apply - Interfolio
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apply.interfolio.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The UW Center for an Informed Public is looking for postdocs (for 2026-2028) from across diverse disciplines whose research sheds light on the challenges of our modern information environment, promotes civic health, and/or helps people/communities navigate online spaces: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
After taking @jevinwest.bsky.social and @carlbergstrom.com's online course and learning with the @cip.uw.edu, Sedro-Woolley teacher Linsey Kitchens incorporated more AI literacy in her classroom. Students were surprised that an AI program provided incorrect information.
Sedro-Woolley High School English teacher Linsey Kitchens instructs students during a recent lesson on artificial intelligence. The lesson is one of several being implemented in the school’s English classes this semester to foster AI-based literacy.
salish-current.org/2025/11/20/s...
salish-current.org/2025/11/20/s...
Sedro-Woolley English teachers bring AI literacy into the classroom
Several English classes at Sedro-Woolley High School are implementing lesson plans designed by Linsey Kitchens to help students understand the limitations of artificial intelligence programs such as C...
salish-current.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:05 PM
After taking @jevinwest.bsky.social and @carlbergstrom.com's online course and learning with the @cip.uw.edu, Sedro-Woolley teacher Linsey Kitchens incorporated more AI literacy in her classroom. Students were surprised that an AI program provided incorrect information.
🧵We're seeking nominations for the CIP Award for Impact & Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions, achievements or bodies of work that advance civic health and promote an informed society by helping individuals, communities and institutions navigate complex information challenges.
November 21, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🧵We're seeking nominations for the CIP Award for Impact & Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions, achievements or bodies of work that advance civic health and promote an informed society by helping individuals, communities and institutions navigate complex information challenges.
Our team at the @cip.uw.edu is currently seeking applications for up to two postdoctoral scholar positions. Applications received prior to January 15, 2026 will be given priority. Learn more about the positions, salary range, qualifications and application process: apply.interfolio.com/177901
November 20, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Our team at the @cip.uw.edu is currently seeking applications for up to two postdoctoral scholar positions. Applications received prior to January 15, 2026 will be given priority. Learn more about the positions, salary range, qualifications and application process: apply.interfolio.com/177901
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
People are generally more prone to believing misinformation when they see it in videos, @jevinwest.bsky.social told @atmosmag.bsky.social. “Even if you almost know they’re fake, it’s hard to dislodge yourself from them not being real,” the @cip.uw.edu co-founder says. atmos.earth/science-and-...
AI-Generated Animals Are Distancing Us From Nature | Atmos
Cuddly polar bears and hyperrealistic chimeras may seem harmless on social media, but experts worry AI animal content can be harmful.
atmos.earth
November 18, 2025 at 11:32 PM
People are generally more prone to believing misinformation when they see it in videos, @jevinwest.bsky.social told @atmosmag.bsky.social. “Even if you almost know they’re fake, it’s hard to dislodge yourself from them not being real,” the @cip.uw.edu co-founder says. atmos.earth/science-and-...
Watch a recording of @cip.uw.edu faculty member @carlbergstrom.com speaking at a recent @salish-current.org Knowledge Festival event in Bellingham. ⤵️⤵️⤵️
A month or so back I gave a public talk at the @salish-current.org's Voices of the Northwest knowledge festival, about our new course on how to live, learn, and thrive and a ChatGPT world. The evening was delightful; we had a great conversation with a marvelous audience.
Now you can watch it here.
Now you can watch it here.
Carl Bergstrom | Knowledge Festival | Sept. 17th, 2025
YouTube video by Salish Current
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Watch a recording of @cip.uw.edu faculty member @carlbergstrom.com speaking at a recent @salish-current.org Knowledge Festival event in Bellingham. ⤵️⤵️⤵️
Slate: Scholars, including @cip.uw.edu graduate research assistant and @hcde.uw.edu PhD candidate @zarine.net, say "recent attacks on Wikipedia differ from earlier critiques" of the website, which had focused on Wikipedia's content.
Read more: slate.com/technology/2...
Read more: slate.com/technology/2...
A Wikipedia Conference Took a Dark Turn. Unfortunately, It’s Not a Total Surprise.
An armed man at a gathering of the website’s volunteers is just the latest reminder: Editing the internet’s encyclopedia has never been riskier.
slate.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Slate: Scholars, including @cip.uw.edu graduate research assistant and @hcde.uw.edu PhD candidate @zarine.net, say "recent attacks on Wikipedia differ from earlier critiques" of the website, which had focused on Wikipedia's content.
Read more: slate.com/technology/2...
Read more: slate.com/technology/2...
Check out this @techpolicypress.bsky.social podcast interview with @cip.uw.edu co-founder @rcalo.bsky.social, a professor at @uwlaw.bsky.social and @ischool.uw.edu ⤵️⤵️⤵️
Podcast! In his new book, Law and Technology: A Methodical Approach, Ryan Calo argues that if the purpose of technology is to expand human capabilities and affordances, the purpose of law is to establish the expectations, incentives, and boundaries that guide that expansion toward human flourishing.
Ryan Calo Wants to Change the Relationship Between Law and Technology | TechPolicy.Press
Calo is the author of Law and Technology: A Methodical Approach, published by Oxford University Press.
techpolicy.press
October 27, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Check out this @techpolicypress.bsky.social podcast interview with @cip.uw.edu co-founder @rcalo.bsky.social, a professor at @uwlaw.bsky.social and @ischool.uw.edu ⤵️⤵️⤵️
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Our team presented five papers at the CSCW (computer supported cooperative work and social computing) conference this week in Bergen, Norway. (CSCW is an ACM conference and a “home conference” for my team.) I’m going to share a few highlights in a thread here.
October 22, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Our team presented five papers at the CSCW (computer supported cooperative work and social computing) conference this week in Bergen, Norway. (CSCW is an ACM conference and a “home conference” for my team.) I’m going to share a few highlights in a thread here.
Reposted by Center for an Informed Public
Excited to be in Bergen for CSCW 2025! This (Monday) afternoon I’ll be presenting a study I led with a fantastic team of undergraduate and Masters students, supervised by @katestarbird.bsky.social, on sudden attention, influencers, and TikTok - more details in 🧵 1/
'I Blow Up': Understanding TikTok Users' Reactions to Sudden Social Media Attention | Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
Social media platforms are known to facilitate sudden bursts of attention on individual
pieces of content and their creators — dynamics often referred to as ''going viral''.
However, questions remain ...
dl.acm.org
October 20, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Excited to be in Bergen for CSCW 2025! This (Monday) afternoon I’ll be presenting a study I led with a fantastic team of undergraduate and Masters students, supervised by @katestarbird.bsky.social, on sudden attention, influencers, and TikTok - more details in 🧵 1/
Annie Zhang, who studies effective strategies in science communication, public perceptions of science and how scientists can better inform the communication of their research and expertise, has started work as a new @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholar.
Learn more:
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/10/15/a...
Learn more:
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/10/15/a...
Annie Zhang joins Center for an Informed Public as postdoctoral scholar
Annie Zhang, who studies effective strategies in science communication, public perceptions of science and how scientists can better inform the communication of their research and expertise, has sta…
www.cip.uw.edu
October 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Annie Zhang, who studies effective strategies in science communication, public perceptions of science and how scientists can better inform the communication of their research and expertise, has started work as a new @cip.uw.edu postdoctoral scholar.
Learn more:
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/10/15/a...
Learn more:
www.cip.uw.edu/2025/10/15/a...