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Misinformation spreads, but fact-checking has leveled off
MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY
The Duke Reporter's Lab's 10th annual global fact-checking census shows a slowdown in the growth of fact-checking outlets, despite concerns about manipulated media and political lies. Mark Stencel, Erica Ryan and Joel Luther found that there are currently 417 active fact-checkers worldwide, verifying misinformation in over 100 countries and 69 languages, with no significant increase since 2021. While fact-checking sites have grown by 47% since 2018, the rate of growth has declined. Launching new fact-checking projects faces challenges, especially in countries with repressive governments and limited press freedom. Continuous support for fact-checking initiatives is crucial to combat misinformation effectively.
(Photo: Duke Reporter's Lab)
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Universal Home-Visiting Program Improves Parenting Behavior & Mental Health
SOCIAL POLICY
The first two years of a child's life can set the course for the entire childhood. Kenneth Dodge and co-authors present their findings of a study evaluating the impact of a universal perinatal home-visiting program called Family Connects (FC) on parenting behavior and parent mental health outcomes two years post-intervention. The program demonstrated sustained positive impacts on parenting behavior through the child's age of two years. The study also suggested that mothers with identified birth risks and Hispanic mothers may benefit more from FC. The results underscore the significance of universal home-visiting programs in supporting families and improving parenting practices.
(Photo: Jenna Norman on Unsplash)
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Educators' Strategies for Students' Social-Emotional Wellbeing
SOCIAL POLICY
Educators shape lives in myriad ways and often need support to be effective. Leslie Babinski and co-authors explored how health education teachers and school counselors support middle-level students' social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Educators recognized academic pressures, peer relationships and social media's impact. Strategies included daily interactions, skills instruction, positive relationships and supportive classrooms. Direct instruction in health education promotes self-regulation skills, and a shared framework across teachers and mental health staff is crucial. Support for educators' emotional wellness and learning is recommended.
(Photo: RDNE Stock on Pexels)
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Impact of Electricity Quality Improvements on Consumer Behavior
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICYAccess to electricity can transform lives, but not all access is equal. This research study co-authored by Robyn Meeks focuses on investigating the impacts of electricity quality improvements on consumer behavior in the Kyrgyz Republic. The study conducted a randomized experiment in which households were provided with improved grid connections and smart meters. The results show that treated households experienced fewer voltage fluctuations and increased billed electricity consumption during peak months. The study also found that treated households increased their ownership of electric heaters and invested more in energy efficiency measures. The findings highlight the importance of electricity quality in influencing residential electricity use and provide insights into the potential benefits of improving electricity service quality in developing countries.
(Photo: Pok Rie on Pexels)
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Analysis of SNAP's Impact on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Food Expenditures
SOCIAL POLICY
Social programs are the lifeline to many in America, but inequality can make them frustrating to use for those that need them. Norbert Wilson and co-authors analyzed how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affects inequality among racial and ethnic groups in food expenditures and the food resource gap. The authors propose a framework that breaks down SNAP benefit differences into eligibility, participation and generosity components. Results show that eligibility accounts for the largest disparities in SNAP benefits for Black and Hispanic households compared to white households. The framework can be applied to other safety net programs and aid policymakers in addressing inequality.
(Photo: USDA)
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Antepli Appointed to Lead Community-Engaged Research and Teaching at Duke
Abdullah Antepli has been named Duke’s first associate vice president/associate vice provost for community-engaged research and teaching, Duke leadership announced recently. Antepli’s appointment is effective July 1. Learn more about this role.
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Sanford Scholars Honored with APA Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Developmental Science
Jennifer Lansford and Anna Gassman-Pines have been recognized with prestigious awards from the American Psychological Association's Division 7 for their outstanding contributions to the field of developmental science. Read more about these awards from the APA.
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Honoring Retiring Faculty
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Hoffman Named as Member of New Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Expert Advisory Committee
Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) launched its Privacy and Cybersecurity Expert Group and announced the Inaugural Advisory Committee to lead FPF’s exploration of the intersection of privacy and security. Sanford's David Hoffman also serves on FPF's board of directors. Read more about the new advisory committee.
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New Book The Black Reparations Project: A Handbook for Racial Justice
William Darity Jr. is one of three editors who also are members of the Reparations Planning Committee. The book crystallizes the rationale for reparations and offers guidance for building and implementing a reparations program. Learn more about the book.
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