91ĘÓƵ

29 August 2024

In June, Alireza Mohammadinodooshan at the Department of Computer and Information Science (IDA) successfully defended his thesis on understanding user engagement with news on social media platforms. 

vector illustration of people following news on social media

Congratulations on your PhD! What was your background when you started your PhD?

"I received my Master's in IT about ten years before starting my PhD studies. During this time, I worked as a developer in the industry and as a lecturer and faculty member in academia, gaining valuable experience that bridged practical and theoretical knowledge."

What is it like to be a PhD student at IDA?

"Being a PhD student at IDA is a rewarding experience filled with opportunities for growth and learning. However, PhD studies inherently come with moments of uncertainty and stress. During these times, having access to the expertise of dedicated researchers makes a significant difference. At IDA, I was fortunate to receive continuous guidance from a knowledgeable supervisor, Niklas Carlsson, who invested considerable time to ensure I stayed focused to overcome challenges."

What do you want to do next?

"Right after finishing my PhD studies, I have started my new position as a postdoctoral researcher with WASP, Wallenberg AI autonomous systems and software program.This time, I did not need to wait another ten years to decide, thanks to the support and encouragement I received during my PhD."

A summary of the thesis by Alireza Mohammadinodooshan

Social media platforms have become primary sources of news for many users, but not all news shared is reliable. False and biased news can significantly shape public opinion, amplify polarisation, and influence societal debates. This makes understanding how users interact with news on social media crucial.

computer screen on which it is written
In his doctoral thesis, Alireza Mohammadinodooshan has studied the dynamics of user engagement with different classes of news on social media. His studies analyzed how users interact with news content categorised by political bias and reliability. This research introduces several innovations and tackles some key challenges. One innovation is the comprehensive, multi-platform analysis, which includes both public and private engagement metrics. The study also uses advanced methodologies to control for content variations and exposure factors, providing more accurate insights. The findings benefit multiple stakeholders, enabling news publishers, policymakers, and individual users to develop targeted strategies to promote reliable information and healthy online discourse.

To the thesis:


Contact

Doctoral studies in computer and information science

Organisation

Latest news from LiU

Fewer back problems with BetterBack

Most backs protest at least at once in a lifetime. Movement is often the best help. Therefore, researchers and physiotherapists in healthcare have developed a model of care “BetterBack (BättreRygg)”, which has now attracted international attention.

A man and a woman standing on a rock beside a pond.

How property owners can work to prevent flooding

The risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding increases with climate change. But property owners  often underestimate their own responsibility. In a new scientific article, researchers from LiU show how the can go about the preventive work.

Portrait (Gustaf Hendeby).

Blurred borders between civilian and military

A tense political situation in the world, a war in Europe and an everyday life with increasing threats to our security – what do the researchers do? More than you might think and there will be even more. Defence research is more active than ever.