Explore how trust is built in the age of AI, algorithms, and social media

Dear Malina,

We are pleased to invite you to the inaugural event of the 2026–27 Vanderbilt in the City series: Who Do You Trust and Why? Expertise in an Age of Algorithms.

As AI, algorithms and social media increasingly shape how people find information and decide what to believe, understanding how trust is built has never been more important. This conversation brings together leaders from journalism, technology, social media and academia to explore how expertise earns attention and credibility in today’s digital world—and what we can learn from journalists, creators and platform leaders about reaching broad audiences without sacrificing rigor, nuance or trust.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
Time: Reception 6–7 p.m. ET; Event 7–8 p.m. ET
Location: The Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City
Main entrance: 440 West 21st Street, New York, New York 10011

The evening’s panelists include:

Kathleen Kingsbury, Opinion Editor, The New York Times
Sarah Norman, Former Head of Analytical Sales, TikTok; Founder of Receipt
Steve Ertel, Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing, and Chief Communications Officer, Vanderbilt University

The session will be moderated by:

Jad Abumrad, Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology at Vanderbilt University

We hope you will join us for a timely conversation exploring one of the defining questions of our digital age.

Warm regards,
Vanderbilt University–New York City Events Team

411 Kirkland | Nashville, TN 37235 US