I am an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations and the School of Journalism. My research investigates news disseminated in digital environments and examines the sociopolitical influence of these messages. Specifically, my work highlights that a critical component for understanding the effects of digital information environments is the consideration of racial portrayals that saturate these online platforms. Through investigating the effects of racial portrayals on stereotype endorsement, public policy support, political polarization, civic engagement, and political opinion, my work assesses the implications of digital information environments on democracy. My work has been published in New Media & Society and Social Media + Society.
Marisa A. Smith 