The Flow of (Mis)information in Social Media Platforms

Misinformation is a defining challenge of the digital age, shaping political beliefs and public trust in institutions. My research investigates the mechanisms behind the spread of misinformation, with a particular focus on the factors that impact users’ media use and information credibility assessments. In my recent work, I explore how the users’ opinion leadership status in social media platforms can unintentionally intensify the persistence of false information.

Projects

• The Role of Opinion Leaders in Misinformation Spread on Social Media
• The Social Mediation of Political Rumors (published in Journalism)

Political Communication in the Digital Age

Digital platforms can serve as both a battleground and a catalyst for public discourse. My research explores how individuals adapt and utilize new media platforms to communicate about public affairs and current issues. My current research examines public discourse that develops around hashtag movements to analyze how individuals strategically adapt discursive tactics to fulfill their communication goals.

Projects

• Understanding the Discursive Tactics in a Hashtag Movement: A Mixed-Methods Approach
• The Medium and the Backlash: The Disparagement of the #MeToo Movement in Online Public Discourse in South Korea (published in International Journal of Communication)
• The Dynamics of Public Attention: Agenda-Setting Theory Meets Big Data (published in Journal of Communication)

Digital Media Use and Generational Digital Divide

Digital media engagement is not uniform across generations – while younger users often navigate platforms seamlessly, older adults encounter unique challenges that affect their social connectivity as well as mental wellbeing. My research investigates how different demographics adopt and interact with digital technologies, how digital literacy can influence online and offline behavior.

Projects

• Bridging Isolation: Digital Media Engagement among South Korean Seniors