Suggested News and Media

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  CALL FOR PAPERS – Understanding and Countering Disinformation and Propaganda

  This special issue of Behavioral Science & Policy (BSP) aims to enhance both scholarly understanding of and policy measures to counteract disinformation and propaganda. Disinformation refers to the intentional and strategic dissemination of false information, while propaganda encompasses the dissemination of half-truths, false, or misleading information in the service of persuading the public of a particular viewpoint or (political) agenda. Specifically, the special issue seeks to foster a dialogue on the origins of disinformation and propaganda, people’s susceptibility to them, their spread dynamics, effects on public opinion, and behavioral interventions to counteract them.

  It is imperative that submitted papers not only advance a scientifically grounded understanding of issues related to disinformation or propaganda but also offer concrete practical implications for mitigating their effects or addressing their consequences. Interested authors are encouraged to submit their abstracts by December 31, 2024. Full papers will be requested for selected abstracts following the initial review.

  Click here to learn more and to submit:
  Call for Papers - Disinformation Spotlight
  

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  Increasing Commuting Via Public Transit

  How can we get more people to take public transit rather than drive to work? This article in Slate draws on behavioral science research—some of which was published in BSP — to argue that although commuting habits are deeply entrenched, significant disruptions—such as life changes or external events—can prompt individuals to reassess their travel choices which creates opportunities for interventions that encourage more sustainable options like public transit and biking. Effective change requires both improved infrastructure and behavioral nudges timed to moments of transition.

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  The Rise of the Food Desert

  Access to healthy foods is a critical piece of a healthy life, however, people living in food deserts lack convenient access to affordable, fresh groceries. Here, The Atlantic covers the emergence of food deserts and describes what can be done, at a policy level, to improve access to healthy food.

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  The Danger of “Banking” With a FinTech App

  The convenient way users can send and store money in Fintech apps like Venmo, has led to a steady increase in their use as an alternative to traditional banks. However, as covered here by Vox, users may be unknowingly exposing their money to risks due to limited FDIC insurance protections, susceptibility to scams, and poor customer service.

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  Twitter’s Proposed Solution to Digital Political Polarization

  In recent Congressional testimony, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey reviewed a “health” initiative for users, including how Twitter could serve as a space to reconcile political opposition. Yet Sociologist Christopher Bail (Duke) cautions against policy action to support Dorsey’s efforts. Bail’s work shows that Twitter may actually lead to further polarization.

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  Decision-Making as a Required Course in School?

  Behavioral science probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think of grade school curricula, but writer Steven Johnson is trying to change that. This week, Johnson makes the case for integrating decision-making courses into lower grades. Also, in the Behavioral Scientist, Tom Wein shows us how we can integrate behavioral science into “edutainment” to benefit people at different ages, from kids in school to adults making decisions for later in life.