University of Michigan School of Information

Media Mentions

Featured by The Tavis Smiley Podcast. Professor Kishonna Gray.

Kishonna Gray discusses digital culture and national politics on Tavis Smiley

05/04/2026

Gray joined the national conversation on media, identity and the public discourse around U.S. politics. 

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Quoted by The New York Times. Professor Cliff Lampe. Rumors and speculation swirl online after shooting at Washington dinner.

Lampe: After D.C. shooting, misinformation spreads faster than facts on social media

04/27/2026

UMSI professor Cliff Lampe explains why rumors erupt following breaking news. 

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Quoted by Wired. Professor Nicole Ellison. AI agents are coming for your dating life.

Can AI improve your dating life? UMSI professor Nicole Ellison weighs in

04/17/2026

As experimental “AI agents” promise to optimize friendships and romance, Ellison highlights the opportunities and limitations of outsourcing human connection. 

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An electric car is plugged into a charging station with a blue cable, parked in front of a wall.

Misconceptions about EVs are slowing adoption in rural Michigan

02/16/2026

UMSI assistant professor Sabina Tomkins explains why rural Michigan residents are hesitant to embrace electric vehicles. 

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A laptop screen displays the text "Hi Sally, I am so greatful for the quality of your work. Thanks! - John." with a red line noting a misspelling of the word grateful.

Does a typo prove you’re human?

02/13/2026

Nicole Ellison explains why being accused of “sounding like AI” has become an insult. 

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A person holds a tablet displaying a stylized chat conversation between a chatbot and a user. Two colorful speech bubbles, one orange with a small robot icon and one yellow with a person icon, appear on a dark blue screen.

What older adults should know before trusting chatbots

02/13/2026

UMSI associate professor Robin Brewer shares practical advice for staying safe while using AI tools. 

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Multiple tall metal electricity transmission towers stretch across an open rural landscape, connected by overhead power lines.

Are data centers straining Michigan’s power grid? Ben Green weighs in

02/11/2026

UMSI assistant professor Ben Green recently testified before lawmakers on the environmental and economic impact of large scale AI infrastructure. 

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Quoted by WJR 760AM. Professor Kentaro Toyama. AI could change jobs, but the economics are uncertain.

Can artificial intelligence reduce wage inequality? Toyama urges caution

01/26/2026

UMSI professor Kentaro Toyama questions a new study suggesting major economic benefits from artificial intelligence. 

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Quoted by CNN. Professor Nicole Ellison. Digital age brings Denmark's postal service to historic end.

Ellison: As letters disappear, people find new ways to connect online

01/07/2026

UMSI professor Nicole Ellison reflects on what Denmark’s move to phase out traditional mail says about online communication. 

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Featured by The New York Times. Professor Lionel Robert. Why do AI chatbots use 'I'?

Robert: Humanlike chatbots are good for business, but risky for users

12/22/2025

UMSI professor Lionel Robert weighs in on why AI companies design chatbots to sound human, even if it risks overdependence.

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