During the pandemic, numerous conspiracy theories spread on social media, which can pose a threat to democratic processes. The study examines how political self-efficacy and knowledge about the mechanisms of conspiracy myths can influence political participation – with important insights for media education practice.
AI avatars are increasingly used in science communication — but what makes them trustworthy? A recent study by Jasmin Baake, Dr. Josephine B. Schmitt and Prof. Dr. Julia Metag (University Münster) reveals that realistic avatars may foster more trustworthiness than cartoon-like ones, while some gender stereotypes persist.
The article by Sabine Schermeier and Nikol Rummel compares learners’ socio-affective experiences in hybrid, face-to-face, and remote collaboration, revealing significant differences in perceived relatedness, social presence, and willingness to collaborate.
A new meta-research paper examines comparative communication studies published in 32 academic journals between 2003 and 2021 – highlighting a clear dominance of Western countries as well as thematic and methodological imbalances.
The dissertation explores the interplay between democracy, digitalization, and participation, and sheds light on how the internet can serve as a platform for political mobilization.
