Armchair experts: The role of social media in authentic public information

3:00 - 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018
PSU 313

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the Web have changed how we communicate, how we learn and how we educate. Consumers often trust their social networks to formulate their opinions rather than inquire of experts in the field. Some sectors, particularly agriculture and energy, struggle against popular negative stereotypes, fear-mongering and misinformation. How can experts regain their influence in the information free-for-all?

Presenters

Professor of communication Chad Edwards

Chad Edwards

Professor of communication
Western Michigan University

Associate professor of rural sociology Leland Glenna

Leland Glenna

Associate professor of rural sociology
Pennsylvania State University

Founder and president Tim McCaughan

Tim McCaughan

Founder and president
The McCaughan Group

Professor and department chair Eric Sheffield

Eric Sheffield

Professor and department chair
Western Illinois University