快猫成版视频

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 12, 2019

Interdisciplinary undergraduate project examines hate speech online

A pair of 快猫成版视频 researchers are developing a new study examining hate speech and imagery on social media using funding from a grant they received from Facebook.

The proposal submitted by Anisah Bagasra, assistant professor of psychology, and Burton Speakman, assistant professor of communications, was one of only 20 selected out of the 200 proposals submitted to the social media giant. 快猫成版视频 State is the only university in Georgia to earn a Facebook grant this year.

A team of seven undergraduate students will work on the project 鈥� 鈥淚dentifying and Examining Islamophobic Speech and Imagery鈥� 鈥� under the guidance of the researchers, which will involve spending a year collecting and analyzing data gathered from Facebook. Students will be trained on what language and imagery to look for that contribute to hate speech online and learn how to identify it.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to offer research opportunities to our undergraduate students because we believe that it enhances their ability to think critically,鈥� Bagasra said.

The two professors also are looking forward to working on a project that combines their areas of expertise. 鈥淚 knew that I could help with the psychological aspects of hate speech but needed Burton to help with the social media aspect,鈥� Bagasra said.

According to Speakman, social media can be powerful in shaping people鈥檚 attitudes. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why this kind of project is so important,鈥� Speakman said.

鈥� Andrea Judy

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 快猫成版视频 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. 快猫成版视频 State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 快猫成版视频 State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.