Annenberg School for Communication

Damon Centola is a professor in the Annenberg School for Communication and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and director of the Network Dynamics Group.

(Image: Courtesy of Annenberg School for Communication)

Untapped insights, network dynamics, and a unique approach to NBA scouting

A new book from Annenberg’s Damon Centola describes why some ideas succeed while others fail and uses case studies to illustrate the science behind what drives change.

A hand holding a television remote, pointed at a blurry TV straight ahead. On the TV are many colored boxes signifying many show options.

Q&A

A link between gun violence on TV and firearm deaths

Research from Annenberg Public Policy Center’s Daniel Romer and Patrick E. Jamieson found that gun use on television doubled from 2000 to 2018, rising in parallel with the proportion of homicides from firearms in the U.S. during the same period.

Understanding and addressing barriers to COVID vaccine acceptance

Different communities have different reasons for wanting to wait on this shot. Getting to the heart of those concerns can help meet people where they are.

a person with their back to the camera looking at a drawing of a television with two people debating

Toward a better understanding of ‘fake news’

PIK Professor Duncan Watts publishes a framework for developing a comprehensive research agenda to study the origins, nature, and consequences of misinformation on democracy.

Abstract image conveying lines of communication across a global landscape.

Penn and USC launch Annenberg Center for Collaborative Communication

The new center will enable faculty and doctoral students to work across institutions and disciplines to reimagine communication around complex issues like health care, data privacy, politics, new media, and journalistic trust and integrity.

Person wearing glasses speaks on a Zoom call in front of a background featuring Penn's football stadium, as five others on the call are in a vertical column on the right side of the screen

Narratives of COVID-19 in China and the world

The two-day symposium brought together scholars to discuss a broad range of topics, from racism against Chinese students studying in the United States to digital workplace surveillance of Chinese workers.

Robotic finger pressing a computer key on a laptop.

Twitter bots may not be as influential as you think

A new study from Annenberg School for Communication finds that verified media accounts are more central in the spread of information on Twitter than bots.

The cover of Research at Penn shows floating microscopic images of the coronavirus.

‘Research at Penn’ showcases University breakthroughs and innovations

Produced by the Provost’s Office, the brochure highlights groundbreaking research from each of Penn’s 12 schools. This year it is online-only.

Office of Social Equity in Zoom meeting for first event

A conversation on the media, truth telling, and social equity

For the Office of Social Equity & Community’s inaugural event, a group of panelists—including several renowned experts in the media industry—gathered virtually to discuss the past, present, and future of journalism in the U.S.

Penn announces its 2021 Thouron Scholars. From left, top: senior Emily Davis, senior Carson Eckhard, and 2019 graduate Ben Friedman. Bottom: senior Lauren Kleidermacher and senior Beau Staso.

Penn announces five 2021 Thouron Scholars

Four seniors and a 2019 graduate have received a Thouron Award to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. Each scholarship winner receives tuition for as long as two years, as well as travel and living stipends, to earn a graduate degree there.

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