About Research & Insights
Research and Insights spotlights leading ideas and science at the forefront of journalism, public relations, telecommunication and advertising from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. We are driven to produce prominent scholarship and storytelling strategies, technologies and ideas that can have a positive impact on society.
Whether it is best practices from a guest speaker or the latest findings from our faculty and graduate students, here you can access new research and insights that are advancing the diverse and rapidly changing field of communications.
On the top menu, you can access our research and insights, academic publications and expert faculty.
For more information
Research and Insights Site: Randy Bennett, rbennett@jou.ufl.edu
Division of Research: Marcia DiStaso, associate dean, mdistaso@ufl.edu
Areas of Study and Expertise
Health and Science
Examine public awareness, interest, understanding, confidence, and willingness to engage with information on health and science topics in mediated as well as interpersonal and organizational contexts.
Audience and Social Media
Examine how messages flow to large and small audiences, with an emphasis on how communication technologies influence the formation, transmission and reception of messages.
Political Communication, Ethics and Law
Explore issues of how public opinion and communication practice are shaped through traditional and interactive media, laws, policies and ethical codes.
Organizational Communication and Strategic Decision-Making
Examine communication processes involved in how individuals make decisions as well as the contexts in which individuals make decisions drawing on behavioral decision theory, information processing and cognitive psychology.
Social Change and Public Interest Communication
Explore the study and practice of science-based, planned strategic communication campaigns with the main goal of achieving significant change and sustained positive behavioral change on a public interest issue that transcends the particular interests of any single organization. So at it’s basis, Public Interest Communications is using communications to drive social change.
New Worlds of Journalism Study sheds light on the state of journalism around the world
The field of journalism is in a constant state of change, always adapting to new technologies and shifts in culture and public opinions. Since 2007, the Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS) has dedicated itself to tracking these changes by creating a comprehensive report on the state of journalism around the world, with the aim of keeping journalists informed on trends within the field. In October 2025, wave three of the Worlds of Journalism Study was published, with researchers from over 120 countries showcasing their findings.
Generative AI may help turn consumers into active collaborators and creators, study finds
In the advertising world, generative AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers, turning audiences from passive viewers into active creators who can shape and personalize campaign content.
How “The Wonder Years” Reboot Redefined Black Masculinity
Television reboots often rekindle nostalgia, but the 2021 reboot of “The Wonder Years” did something more ambitious: it reimagined Black masculinity and family life during the Civil Rights era. A recent study reveals how storytelling by the mass media can reclaim Black history and challenge common negative portrayals of Black men.
The Future of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Purpose-Driven Approach to Sustainable Growth
In today’s interconnected world, businesses are no longer judged solely by their profitability but also by the impact they have on society, the environment and the well-being of their employees. As companies navigate a landscape defined by rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and growing calls for accountability, the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and corporate purpose has never been more critical.