In this episode of The Creative Block, I sit down with Dr. Kristina Lerman, Project Leader at USC’s Information Sciences Institute and Research Associate Professor in the Viterbi School of Engineering. Dr. Lerman’s research explores the hidden forces shaping our online world, from cognitive biases to the emotional power of misinformation.

We dive into why misinformation spreads so effectively—not because it’s true, but because it resonates emotionally. She explains why fact-checking efforts often fall short and introduces the idea of “vibe-checking” instead—shifting the focus to who benefits, who is harmed, and why certain narratives stick. We also discuss the role of echo chambers, not just as isolating forces but as creators of powerful shared experiences. Are social media platforms truly unraveling society, or are they simply reflecting human nature? Dr. Lerman challenges us to rethink misinformation, content moderation, and the way AI shapes public discourse. If you’ve ever wondered why false narratives seem to spread faster than the truth, this conversation is a must-watch.

Dr. Kristina Lerman on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinalerman/ 

https://today.usc.edu/why-truth-is-no-match-for-misinformation-qa-with-kristina-lerman/

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