Through the Grapevine: Socially Transmitted Information and Distorted Democracy

Date: 

Friday, February 10, 2023, 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Location: 

Allison Dining Room, Taubman Building 5th Floor, Harvard Kennedy School

You’re invited to join Taylor Carlson, author and assistant professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis for a talk on "Through the Grapevine: Socially Transmitted Information and Distorted Democracy." This discussion is part of the American Politics Speaker Series sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Center for American Political Studies.

Lunch will be served. 

Register here

Abstract

In the world today, individuals are given countless options to learn about politics. We might view this as a good thing that could lead to better-informed publics around the world, which could in turn facilitate greater government accountability. However, the reality is that many find the onslaught of news options to be daunting. Especially in the face of fake news, aggressive disinformation campaigns, partisan media bias, and even partisan groups posing as local news outlets, sifting through all of the information available and deciding what to believe can take substantial effort. One remedy to this problem employed by millions of people around the globe is to delegate the information-search task to friends and family. Instead of consuming the news directly, individuals can rely on conversations with others, both in person and on social media. While interpersonal communication could be an effective means of transmitting and consuming political information (e.g. Lupia & McCubbins 1998; Downs 1957; Berelson et al. 1954; Katz 1957), it carries with it potentially dark consequences. As individuals communicate about politics with each other, they have the power to distort that information, which can provoke both misinformation and polarization.

About the Series

The American Politics Speaker Series (APSS) aims to bring together scholars who are doing research on these and other important questions. Hosted jointly with the Center for American Political Studies and chaired by Professors Maya Sen, Benjamin Schneer, and Justin de Benedictis-Kessner, each session will highlight a scholar whose research is at the forefront of the study of American politics.

Event Details

The Ash Center follows all Harvard University COVID-19 protocols. Masks are no longer required at Harvard Kennedy School events, but anyone who wishes to wear a mask should feel free to do so. The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.

Registration is not required, but encouraged. 

Additional questions? Email the Ash Center events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.