Social Computing

Overview
Social computing explores how technology mediates human relationships and community structures. We study the dynamics of online interactions, communities, and collaboration, examining both the benefits of connection and the harms of toxicity. Our research looks at how social platforms shape public discourse, mental well-being, and collective action in the context of Bangladesh’s vibrant and chaotic digital landscape.

Key Focus Areas

• Misinformation & Digital Literacy: Analyzing how rumors and fake news spread in local networks and designing community-based interventions to counter them.
  
   
• Online Harassment & Moderation: Studying the patterns of online toxicity and developing automated and community-led tools to create safer online spaces.
  
   
• Health & Well-being: Investigating the impact of social media on mental health and designing positive computing interventions for support and resilience.
  
   
• Crowdsourcing & Collective Action: leveraging the power of the crowd for social good, from disaster response coordination to citizen science initiatives.

Our Impact

We seek to foster a healthier digital society by understanding the root causes of online conflict and designing platforms that encourage empathy, constructive dialogue, and trusted community support.