As artificial intelligence continues to reshape digital landscapes, academic researchers and student journalists in Utah are increasingly focusing on the technology's impact on political communication and media integrity. Current work at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University highlights a growing emphasis on how AI-driven tools influence public perception and news reporting.
Researching Digital Misinformation
At the University of Utah, Assistant Professor Isabelle Freiling is conducting research that examines how media use affects science and political communication. Her work specifically investigates the complex dynamics of social media and the spread of misinformation in digital spaces.
According to a faculty profile from the University of Utah released July 12, 2026, Freiling's research also addresses public engagement with science and the impact of open science initiatives. Her expertise extends to how the public perceives issues located at the intersection of scientific fact and political discourse.
Academic Background and Affiliations
Freiling's academic background includes a PhD in Communication Science from the University of Münster in Germany. Her previous academic training also includes an MA in Applied Media Research and a BA in Media Research/Practice, with a minor in Media Computer Science, both from Technische Universität Dresden in Germany.
Since July 1, 2022, she has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah. Her institutional roles have expanded to include faculty affiliations with the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute as of January 1, 2025, and the Global Change and Sustainability Center, a position she has held since April 1, 2023.
AI Integration in Journalism
The focus on communication technology is also evident in the training of emerging journalists at Brigham Young University. Sydney Jezik, a senior studying political science and the Arabic language, is working to integrate new technologies into traditional reporting frameworks.
As noted in a BYU directory profile from July 13, 2026, Jezik operates as a journalist with a specific interest in applying artificial intelligence skills to the profession. Her professional goals include using an understanding of political psychology and AI to improve both her personal work and the broader field of journalism.
Future of Media Technology
These dual perspectives from Utah's higher education institutions demonstrate a unified interest in the technological evolution of media. While Freiling focuses on the societal effects of misinformation and digital communication, Jezik represents the next generation of reporters looking to use those same technological advancements as tools for better reporting.
