NYC Gazette

The Brainiacs series, a monthly feature from New York University (NYU), delves into the diverse research conducted at the institution, highlighting its implications on health, society, and our comprehension of global issues. The latest episode focuses on efforts to ensure fairness in the upcoming November elections.

In response to reports of extremist militia activity on Facebook, researchers from NYU's Cybersecurity for Democracy project have formed a working group. This team aims to explore how social media platforms can enhance election integrity and address extremism and political violence. Their recommendations are supported by insights from NYU Stern’s Center for Business and Human Rights.

A significant topic this election season is incumbency status. John Kane, a professor at SPS’s Center for Global Affairs, has investigated how incumbent presidents often secure a second term but also how this advantage might disadvantage their party. He notes that predicting outcomes based on such data remains uncertain.

Additionally, Delia Baldassarri, an NYU sociologist, examines the growing number of "party misfits" in the nation. Her research suggests that identities perceived as different could foster unity among people. “When we ask them about their close ties—people they talk to about important matters—more than one-third of respondents report that of the few people they talk to on a regular basis, at least one of them is a supporter of the opposite party,” Baldassarri states. This data indicates that societal divisions may not be as pronounced as media portrayals suggest.