News

First-of-Its-Kind Study Analyzes Digital Mourning Practices of Gang-Affiliated Youth

A study led by Prof. Desmond Patton explores how gang-affiliated Black youth use Twitter content, photos, and emojis to memorialize the deceased and navigate feelings of grief and loss.

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society

When Young People Seem to Make Threats on Social Media, Do They Mean It?

A new app from SAFELab helps teachers, police, and journalists interpret social media posts by BIPOC youth and understand which threats may be real.

• Technology & Society

Desmond Upton Patton Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Patton is among 100 new Academy members elected this year, one of the highest honors in health and medicine.

• Health Communication

Social Scientists Must Address ChatGPT’s Ethical Challenges Before Using It for Research

A new paper by researchers at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) and Penn’s Annenberg School for Communication...

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society

Desmond Patton and the Science of Being Human

Patton discusses his research in social media and violence, finding an interdisciplinary career in social work, communication, data science, and psychiatry, and why his open-mindedness never stops.

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society

Desmond Upton Patton Announced as New Obama Foundation United States Leader

Patton is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program.

Desmond Upton Patton Appointed to Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research Board of Directors

Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research ( PRIM&R ) has announced the appointment of Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor...

• Health Communication

Desmond Patton Appointed Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor

Interim President Wendell Pritchett and Interim Provost Beth Winkelstein announce the appointment of Desmond Upton Patton as the University of Pennsylvania’s thirty-first Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor, effective July 1, 2022.

• Culture & Media
• Media Institutions
• Technology & Society

Desmond Patton Receives Award from the Society for Social Work and Research

The Early Career Achievement Award recognizes the beginning of Dr. Patton's research career in the field of social work.

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society

New Study: Responses to Grief Predict Aggressive Tweets Among Gang-Involved Chicago Youth

An analysis of thousands of tweets identified two main themes in Twitter usage among gang-involved youth in Chicago.

• Culture & Media
• Technology & Society