David Lazer Archives

A Ukrainian soldier speaks on his smartphone outside a residential building damaged by a missile on February 25, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Yesterday, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with Russian troops invading the country from the north, east and south, accompanied by air strikes and shelling. The Ukrainian president said that at least 137 Ukrainian soldiers were killed by the end of the first day. Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images

Are you more likely to believe misinformation about Ukraine or COVID-19?

Researchers with the Covid States Project, a collaboration among Northeastern and partner institutions, found that fewer people believed false claims about Ukraine than false claims about COVID-19 vaccines, but where they landed politically made a difference.

by Molly Callahan April 27, 2022

Deepfakes and fake news pose a growing threat to democracy, experts warn

With social-media users apt to believe information that reinforces their biases, deepfakes pose an increasingly significant threat, Northeastern experts say.

by Jackson Cote - contributor April 1, 2022

A strong majority favor keeping indoor mask requirements even as several states are ending the requirement, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner universities. The findings suggest many people will continue to wear masks in bars, restaurants, and other indoor venues. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Is indoor mask-wearing still popular?

Wearing masks indoors is strongly supported nationwide, including in several blue states that plan to ditch the requirement soon, according to a new U.S. survey by researchers at Northeastern and partner universities. See which parts of the country are in favor of and opposed to wearing masks inside.

by Peter Ramjug February 17, 2022

Breakthrough infections over the winter may have raised doubts about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, causing the childhood vaccination rate to stall, according to a newly released survey from Northeastern and partner universities. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Omicron wave didn’t spur parents to get their kids vaccinated

Children’s COVID-19 vaccination rates slowed during the winter wave of omicron infections. A new survey by researchers at Northeastern and partner universities explains why.

by Peter Ramjug February 8, 2022

A survey taken after the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attempted takeover of the U.S. Capitol finds that 23 percent of the U.S. believe that violent protest against the government is justifiable. The feeling was shared almost equally between liberals and conservatives. AP Photo/John Minchillo

Is political violence against the government ever justified?

Nearly a quarter of the United States believes violent protests against the government—such as the Capitol insurrection—are sometimes justifiable, according to a new survey. And they might not vote the way you think they do.

by Peter Ramjug January 31, 2022

Quick-result home COVID-19 tests are more popular with young people, the wealthy, and highly educated, according to a new survey by Northeastern and other partner universities. Photo illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Should I report my at-home COVID-19 test results?

Millions of rapid COVID-19 tests are being mailed out to homes across the country. Who’s using them, who isn’t, and how reliable are they? A survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner universities answers those questions.

by Peter Ramjug January 25, 2022

Social media sites, especially Facebook, were the top conduits for vaccine misinformation, according to a U.S. survey of health care workers who treated unvaccinated patients. The findings point to an 'urgent' misinformation problem. Photo Illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Vaccine misinformation on social media can be a life-or-death problem

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals say that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on social media channels is an “urgent” problem that may be negatively influencing people’s decisions to get inoculated, according to a survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner institutions.

by Peter Ramjug January 20, 2022

Only 21% of people wore a high-quality mask such as the N95, according to a U.S. survey by Northeastern and other partner institutions. Cloth masks, gaiters, bandanas, and surgical masks remain the top choice of most people. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

N95, bandana, or something in between: Which masks are the most popular?

Masks remain a vital tool in limiting the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers from Northeastern and several partner institutions looked into which face masks are most preferred.

by Peter Ramjug January 19, 2022

A year after the Capitol insurrection, faith in democracy wanes

Looking back, it’s clear that the particular circumstances of the 2020 election created a “perfect storm” that crystallized distrust of the democratic process among people who may already have had misgivings, says David Lazer, university distinguished professor of political science and computer sciences at Northeastern.

by Molly Callahan January 5, 2022

More U.S. residents would rather see the legacy of racism taught in public schools than critical race theory, according to a survey conducted by researchers at Northeastern and several partner institutions. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Seven out of 10 people don’t know what critical race theory is, US poll finds

When asked if they supported the teaching of racism in public schools or CRT, most U.S. residents picked the former, according to a survey from researchers at Northeastern and several partner institutions. The likely reason is that most people are not familiar with the academic details of CRT, researchers explained.

by Peter Ramjug December 23, 2021

David Lazer