The Center on Media, Technology and Democracy

We work to better understand the
information ecosystem through cutting-edge science.

And leverage that research to strengthen the foundations of democracy.

Announcing our Affiliated Faculty

We are proud to welcome affiliated faculty across Penn's schools whose research explores how media and technology shape political attitudes and the information ecosystem.

Launching the Research Compendium

Our new redesigned research compendium is a one-stop shop for Penn research on the quantitative study of the information ecosystem. Search or use categorical tags to find essential research on news media, online platforms, misinformation, persuasion, AI, and more.

Media Fragmentation & Democracy

On 10/21, we hosted our first public event on media fragmentation and its effects on the public discourse. You can watch the recording on our events page.

A Welcome from the Center Directors

Co-Directors Duncan Watts and Christopher Yoo present their vision for the Center, and for the future of research of the information ecosystem.

Penn Media Accountability Project

We support PennMAP - enhancing media transparency and accountability at the scale of the information ecosystem.

MEDIATED Research Grants

We awarded $160,000 in 12 grants to fund the science of the information ecosystem, including on media narratives, LLM political speech, and peer-to-peer conversations - click to read more.

Welcoming Our New Staff

We are thrilled to welcome Prithvi Iyer as Communications and Research Manager!

Our Work

Using Cutting Edge Data Science

Expanding Access to Media Data

The Penn Media Accountability Project is enhancing transparency at the scale of the information ecosystem.

LLMs Disagree on What Constitutes Hate Speech

Professor Yphtach Lelkes evaluates a range of LLMs, which disagree on what constitutes hate speech - a key finding for content moderation online. Read more in the coverage from Fast Co.