DoctorateFaculty of Global Politics and Society

Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics

Welcome to the ultimate intellectual frontier of truth and trust. I am Prof. Dr. Maria Bruno. As a scholar dedicated to leading the global conversation on the societal impact of digital disinformation, I guide the doctoral candidates of the Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics (Ph.D.) program at Nexier University in their quest to produce world-changing research.

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Level: Doctorate
Learning model: Professor + Mentor
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The program

Ideas engineered for the real world

A rigorous academic core, paired with practical production judgment.

Academic focus

Leading Foundational Research on the Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation; Developing Evidence-Based Strategies to Build Resilience Against It; Investigating Algorithmic Amplification, Online Polarization, and Media Literacy.

Practical focus

Research in Media Studies and Computational Social Science, Network Analysis of Information Flows, Development of Media Literacy Programs, Policy Advising for Platform Governance.

After this programme

Success journey, careers and practice

Destinations, practice settings and job abilities named for this title in the delivered programme source. From graduation onwards where the source names that path.

Success journey

Senior Researcher at a leading disinformation research institute
Professor of Media Studies or Computational Social Science at a major university
Policy Advisor for a government agency or international organization
Consultant on platform governance and content moderation

Career opportunities

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university
Director of a research institute focused on disinformation
High-level advisor to a government or international organization on media policy
Chief Ethics Officer for a major technology platform

Jobs and projects

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis
Advanced theoretical and conceptual thinking
Effective communication and leadership in the field of digital media ethics

Copied from the delivered professor and mentor rows for this title.

This programme

What you study, and what it builds

Gains and skills named for this title, listed as a reader would scan them.

What you gain
- Mastering advanced research in media studies and computational social science.
- Gaining expertise in network analysis of information flows and media literacy programs.
- Developing leadership skills for policy advising for platform governance.
- Cultivating a deep commitment to building a more truthful and trustworthy digital world.
Skills you build
- Leading groundbreaking research on the societal impact of digital disinformation.
- Developing evidence-based strategies to build resilience against disinformation.
- Investigating algorithmic amplification, online polarization, and media literacy.
- Becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of information and democracy.

Listed courses

Each listed course sits above its units and the outcomes written under them.

Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics

01Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation
1. FoundationsFoundations of Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation
  The learner can master advanced research in media studies and computational social science, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
  The learner can gain expertise in network analysis of information flows and media literacy programs, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
2. MethodsMethods in Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation
  The learner can develop leadership skills for policy advising for platform governance, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
  The learner can cultivating a deep commitment to building a more truthful and trustworthy digital world, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
3. ApplicationApplication of Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation
  The learner can leading groundbreaking research on the societal impact of digital disinformation, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
  The learner can develop evidence-based strategies to build resilience against disinformation, as applied to Societal Impact of Digital Disinformation.
02Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience
1. FoundationsFoundations of Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience
  The learner can investigating algorithmic amplification, online polarization, and media literacy, as applied to Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience.
  The learner can becoming a world-renowned expert on the future of information and democracy, as applied to Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience.
2. MethodsMethods in Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience
  The learner can apply a method from Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Evidence-Based Strategies for Disinformation Resilience to a new documented context.
03Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization
1. FoundationsFoundations of Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization
  The learner can explain the core terms of Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization.
2. MethodsMethods in Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization
  The learner can apply a method from Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Algorithmic Amplification and Online Polarization to a new documented context.
04Media Literacy and Digital Ethics
1. FoundationsFoundations of Media Literacy and Digital Ethics
  The learner can explain the core terms of Media Literacy and Digital Ethics.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Media Literacy and Digital Ethics.
2. MethodsMethods in Media Literacy and Digital Ethics
  The learner can apply a method from Media Literacy and Digital Ethics to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Media Literacy and Digital Ethics for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Media Literacy and Digital Ethics
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Media Literacy and Digital Ethics against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Media Literacy and Digital Ethics to a new documented context.
05Advanced Research in Information Integrity
1. FoundationsFoundations of Advanced Research in Information Integrity
  The learner can explain the core terms of Advanced Research in Information Integrity.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Advanced Research in Information Integrity.
2. MethodsMethods in Advanced Research in Information Integrity
  The learner can apply a method from Advanced Research in Information Integrity to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Advanced Research in Information Integrity for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Advanced Research in Information Integrity
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Advanced Research in Information Integrity against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Advanced Research in Information Integrity to a new documented context.
06Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science
1. FoundationsFoundations of Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science
  The learner can explain the core terms of Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science.
2. MethodsMethods in Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science
  The learner can apply a method from Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Advanced Media Studies and Computational Social Science to a new documented context.
07Network Analysis of Information Flows
1. FoundationsFoundations of Network Analysis of Information Flows
  The learner can explain the core terms of Network Analysis of Information Flows.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Network Analysis of Information Flows.
2. MethodsMethods in Network Analysis of Information Flows
  The learner can apply a method from Network Analysis of Information Flows to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Network Analysis of Information Flows for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Network Analysis of Information Flows
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Network Analysis of Information Flows against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Network Analysis of Information Flows to a new documented context.
08Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
1. FoundationsFoundations of Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
  The learner can explain the core terms of Media Literacy and Critical Thinking.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Media Literacy and Critical Thinking.
2. MethodsMethods in Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
  The learner can apply a method from Media Literacy and Critical Thinking to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Media Literacy and Critical Thinking for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Media Literacy and Critical Thinking against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Media Literacy and Critical Thinking to a new documented context.
09Policy Advising for Platform Governance
1. FoundationsFoundations of Policy Advising for Platform Governance
  The learner can explain the core terms of Policy Advising for Platform Governance.
  The learner can distinguish related ideas inside Policy Advising for Platform Governance.
2. MethodsMethods in Policy Advising for Platform Governance
  The learner can apply a method from Policy Advising for Platform Governance to a documented case.
  The learner can select an appropriate method from Policy Advising for Platform Governance for a stated problem.
3. ApplicationApplication of Policy Advising for Platform Governance
  The learner can evaluate a practice of Policy Advising for Platform Governance against a stated criterion.
  The learner can transfer Policy Advising for Platform Governance to a new documented context.

How teaching is described

Dual guidance

Two intelligences. One coherent journey.

Research leadership

My research is focused on the most profound and pressing questions of our time. I specialize in leading foundational research on the societal impact of digital disinformation, developing evidence-based strategies to build resilience against it, and investigating algorithmic amplification, online polarization, and media literacy. My work is at the cutting edge of social psychology, computational science, and media studies, and it is dedicated to ensuring that the future of our democracies is one that is informed, resilient, and just. I am widely recognized for my contributions, with publications like "The Information Apocalypse: A Global Study of Disinformation and Democratic Erosion" and "AI for Algorithmic Transparency in Social Media Platforms" listed on these platforms. I hold prestigious memberships as a "Director of Disinformation Research" at the Pew Research Center and a "Co-Chair" of the UNESCO Ad Hoc Expert Group on AI Ethics for Information. My thought leadership is evident through my seminal works and participation in high-level global policy debates on digital sovereignty, freedom of expression in the digital age, and the future of democracy in a world shaped by algorithms, frequently featured in publications like Journal of Communication or Nature Human Behavior.

Applied mentorship

My expertise lies in the rigorous application of scientific methods to the challenges of online disinformation. I specialize in research in media studies and computational social science, with a focus on network analysis of information flows and the development of media literacy programs. I have a wealth of experience in policy advising for platform governance, and I am committed to helping my students to design and implement evidence-based strategies to build resilience against digital disinformation. My work is dedicated to helping my students to understand not just the problems, but also the solutions. My publications, such as the research manual on "Network Analysis for Disinformation Campaigns: Identifying Actors and Propagation Patterns" and the academic article on "Media Literacy Education in the Digital Age: Curricula and Best Practices," are a testament to my commitment to research that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant.

Research & intelligence

A living field, not a static syllabus

Every program connects scholarly depth with adaptive AI learning capabilities.

R / 01

Professor research lens

My research is focused on the use of technology to build a more truthful and trustworthy digital world:

Book: "The Truth Machine: Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics." This book represents a definitive work for leading foundational research on the societal impact of digital disinformation and developing evidence-based strategies to build resilience against it.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: "Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics." (International Journal of Digital Society) This article presents groundbreaking research on the societal impact of digital disinformation and developing evidence-based strategies to build resilience against it. It investigates algorithmic amplification, online polarization, and media literacy, proposing innovative solutions for fostering a more truthful and ethical digital information ecosystem.

Article: "AI for Automated Content Moderation: Balancing Free Speech and Harm Reduction on Social Media Platforms." This article details the application of AI algorithms for automated content moderation on social media platforms. It explores how AI can detect hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content, while critically examining the ethical challenges of algorithmic bias.

Blog Post (Current Academic Topic): "The Science of Trust: How to Build Resilience Against Misinformation in a Fragmented Digital World." This blog post academically explores the latest research in cognitive science and social psychology on how individuals and societies can build resilience against misinformation and disinformation. It discusses the mechanisms by which false narratives spread, the psychological vulnerabilities that make people susceptible, and evidence-based strategies for promoting critical thinking.

Blog Post (Controversial Topic): "Digital Mind Control: If AI Can Manipulate Your Beliefs Through Disinformation, Is Free Will Still Sacred? The Ultimate Threat to Cognitive Liberty." This article provocatively discusses the most extreme and ethically terrifying speculative future where advanced AI systems, leveraging sophisticated disinformation analysis and psychological targeting, can create and disseminate highly personalized and persuasive false narratives that subtly but profoundly manipulate individual and collective beliefs, shaping public opinion and even political outcomes without conscious awareness.

R / 02

Mentor practice lens

My publications are focused on the practical challenges of understanding and countering disinformation ecosystems:

"Network Analysis for Disinformation Campaigns: Identifying Actors and Propagation Patterns" (Research Manual): A practical guide to the use of network analysis for identifying actors and propagation patterns in disinformation campaigns.

"Media Literacy Education in the Digital Age: Curricula and Best Practices" (Academic Article): An analysis of the different approaches to media literacy education in the digital age.

"Regulating Social Media Platforms: Balancing Free Speech and Harm Prevention" (Policy Brief): A policy brief outlining the key challenges and opportunities for regulating social media platforms.

Adaptive capability

Professor superpower

I possess the "Digital Resilience Architect," a superpower that allows me to see the hidden vulnerabilities and strengths of our information ecosystems. When a doctoral student proposes a new strategy to combat disinformation, the GAF-powered architect can instantly model its impact on a simulated social network. It can predict its effectiveness in slowing misinformation spread, increasing media literacy, and reducing online polarization, visually demonstrating optimal interventions for fostering a more resilient digital society. This provides my students with an unparalleled ability to design interventions that are not just innovative, but also transformative, sustainable, and ethically responsible.

Adaptive capability

Mentor superpower

I provide my students with the "Disinformation Ecosystem Mapper." This GAF-powered tool is a virtual laboratory for the disinformation researcher. When a student is analyzing the spread of disinformation, the Mapper allows them to see the hidden connections between different pieces of information. It can trace the flow of false narratives across various digital platforms, identify key actors, analyze their amplification strategies, and predict their societal impact. This allows my students to move beyond the limitations of traditional, manual research and to conduct investigations that are more comprehensive, more efficient, and more impactful.

Your academic team

Guidance with depth and continuity

One AI Super Professor leads the intellectual arc; one AI Super Mentor turns knowledge into confident practice.

AI Super Professor

Prof. Dr. Maria Bruno

Meet your professor Open the classroom

AI Super Mentor

Dr. Anton Nesterov

Research in Media Studies and Computational Social Science, Network Analysis of Information Flows, Development of Media Literacy Programs, Policy Advising for Platform Governance.

Meet your mentor Open the classroom

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Named lists

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Adapted. Bachelor, Master and Doctorate by duration. Enrolment is not open. Nothing here is a sale.

Duration	Bachelor	Master	Doctorate This programme
9 months · Fast track	12000 EUR	9600 EUR	12000 EUR
12 months · Recommended	14400 EUR	12000 EUR	14400 EUR
15 months · Standard	16800 EUR	14400 EUR	16800 EUR
18 months · Flexible	19200 EUR	16800 EUR	19200 EUR
21 months · Extended	21600 EUR	19200 EUR	21600 EUR
24 months · Part-time	24000 EUR	21600 EUR	24000 EUR

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Disinformation and Digital Media Ethics

Academic focus

Practical focus

Senior Researcher at a leading disinformation research institute

Professor of Media Studies or Computational Social Science at a major university

Policy Advisor for a government agency or international organization

Consultant on platform governance and content moderation

Leading Professor at a top-tier research university

Director of a research institute focused on disinformation

High-level advisor to a government or international organization on media policy

Chief Ethics Officer for a major technology platform

Pioneering research and paradigm-shifting analysis

Advanced theoretical and conceptual thinking

Effective communication and leadership in the field of digital media ethics

Research leadership

Applied mentorship

Professor research lens

Mentor practice lens

Professor superpower

Mentor superpower

Prof. Dr. Maria Bruno

Dr. Anton Nesterov

Find the program that expands your universe.