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PhD Dissertation Defense - Emily Chen
Thu, May 08, 2025 @ 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science
University Calendar
Title: Human Behavior in Systems that Undergo Change
Date and Time: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: GCS 202C
Committee Members: Emilio Ferrara (Chair), Dmitri Williams, Fred Morstatter
Abstract: In an increasingly digital world, understanding human behavior requires looking at both what people say and what they do online. This dissertation bridges these two dimensions by examining how individuals express themselves on social media and how they behave in virtual game environments.
I first focus on explicit expression, analyzing Twitter data from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. presidential election to explore how misinformation spreads and how political polarization shapes discourse. These studies show how crises intensify misinformation, particularly within echo chambers.
My research then turns to behavior, using data from two games -- League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics -- to investigate how players respond to different structural incentives. Despite the games rewarding different strategies, individual behavior remains surprisingly stable, highlighting the persistent influence of agency.
Together, these studies offer a multi-modal perspective on online behavior, contributing to computational social science and informing the design and governance of sociotechnical platforms.Location: Ginsburg Hall (GCS) - 202C
Audiences: Everyone Is Invited
Contact: Emily Chen
This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
