Center for Media Engagement - UT Austin

05/07/2026

As news organizations look for ways to engage younger audiences, our new study examines whether using AI to tailor stories for Gen Z can help.

The results highlight the challenges in using AI to reach young adults and reveal issues with AI use in news that extend beyond Gen Z.

Read more, including our recommendations for newsrooms:

As news organizations look for ways to engage younger audiences, we examine whether using AI to tailor stories for Gen Z can help.

04/24/2026

Social media has shifted from quick snapshots to more curated images📸

Editing tools are widely used, but people don’t always agree on what that means.
Some see it as creative expression, while others raise questions about how it shapes expectations.

What do you think when you see edited images in your feed?

Full case study: https://twp.ai/NSUPrN

04/23/2026

This Earth Day, we're looking at how people feel about emerging environmental issues, like fast-growing AI infrastructure 🌎🤖

Our research finds that Texans' environmental concerns related to AI data centers are significant but rank lower than other sources of pollution. The two biggest concerns? The amount of energy and the amount of water that data centers require.

Read the full study: https://twp.ai/NSVJJs

04/21/2026

Digital tools are expanding what it means to create and share visual content 🎨
AI-generated images can be produced quickly and at scale, but people don’t all interpret them the same way.

Some view them as creative tools, while others raise questions about authorship, bias, and how these images are understood.

What do you think when you see AI-generated images in your feed?

Explore the full case study to see how researchers break down these perspectives: https://twp.ai/NSVMus

04/12/2026

True crime podcasts have become a major part of today’s media landscape, especially when it comes to cold cases.

Research suggests these formats can build connection and bring renewed attention to cases. But there are concerns about sensationalism and the real-world impact of speculation.

As the genre continues to grow, questions remain about how these stories are told and who they affect.

Read the full case study: https://twp.ai/NTc0RZ

04/10/2026

What if the experts don’t have clear answers yet?

During COVID-19, scientists were expected to provide guidance in a rapidly changing environment.
Some see communication as a core responsibility. Others question whether too much was asked of scientists.

Read more: https://twp.ai/NTc0PF

04/09/2026

Local News Day is designed to refocus attention on local information in a media environment that often pulls audiences toward national and global news.

More than 1,300 newsrooms are participating nationwide, experimenting with new ways to reach and better serve their communities.

Learn more about how to get involved and explore how local news organizations are strengthening connections at the community level: https://twp.ai/NTc1hy

04/07/2026

Meet our researcher Ava Motes 👋
She’s exploring how AI can help newsrooms actually connect with Gen Z, and serve what audiences really need.

Get to know the minds behind our research!

04/04/2026

As news cycles accelerate, journalists face increasing pressure to publish quickly while maintaining accuracy.

This case study examines how breaking news is reported, the challenges of verification, and the tension between being first and being correct.

What matters more to you: speed or accuracy?

Full case study: https://twp.ai/ImwWiK

04/02/2026

Quizzes can help people better understand and engage with information!

From improving recall to increasing time spent on a site, research shows they can play a meaningful role in how audiences learn and interact with news.

Explore how quizzes can fit into your work and try our Quiz Creator: https://twp.ai/ImwWji

03/27/2026

In this case study, we examine how media outlets covered the 2021 Dallas gathering tied to QAnon and the belief in the return of JFK Jr.

Questions about engaging with conspiracy beliefs remain relevant. How should the media approach these stories?

Read full case study: https://twp.ai/ImwRja