Rethinking Persuasion: From Social Media to AI Systems
How do AI and social media shape what we believe and how we decide?
From social media feeds to AI tools, digital systems play a growing role in how we form opinions and make choices. This one-day symposium at the University at Buffalo brings together leading scholars to examine how these technologies influence attitudes, behavior and public life.
October 2, 2026
Location: University at Buffalo
North Campus, Buffalo, NY, USA
Through talks and discussion, you will explore whether AI and social media truly change minds or reinforce existing beliefs, and what this means for communication, education and society.
This symposium focuses on timely questions at the intersection of communication, technology and society:
- How AI and social media shape belief and decision making
- Whether these systems persuade or reinforce existing views
- How AI’s persuasive logic compares to social media
- The impact of digital systems on public life and civic engagement
- What these changes mean for teaching, learning and media literacy
Hear from scholars whose work explores communication, political behavior and digital media:
Ethan Busby, PhD
Brigham Young University
Maria Molina, PhD
Michigan State University
Erik Nisbet, PhD
Northwestern University
Jingwen Zhang, PhD
University of California, Davis
Share your research and join the conversation. We welcome abstract submissions for a poster session as part of the symposium. This is a great opportunity to present your work, receive feedback and connect with other researchers.
This event is designed for students, researchers and anyone interested in communication and emerging technologies.
You will:
- Learn from experts in communication and political science
- Connect research to real-world challenges in media and education
- Engage in conversations about the future of AI and communication
- Build connections with scholars and peers
Join us for a day of ideas, discussion and collaboration at UB. Whether you are studying communication or simply curious about how technology shapes society, this symposium offers valuable insight and connections.
We are happy to help. Contact:
