Nicholas Diakopoulos

Nicholas Diakopoulos is a Professor in Communication Studies and Computer Science (by courtesy) at Northwestern University. He directs the Computational Journalism Lab and serves as director of Graduate Studies for the Technology and Social Behavior PhD program. His research focuses on computational journalism, including algorithmic accountability, automation in news production, and social media's role in news dissemination. He authored the award-winning book Automating the News: How Algorithms are Rewriting the Media (Harvard UP, 2019).

Education:

• PhD in Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
• MS in Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Sc.B. in Computer Engineering, Brown University

Research Interests: Diakopoulos explores how algorithms shape news creation and consumption, emphasizing transparency and ethical AI integration. His work addresses challenges like algorithmic bias, generative AI in newsrooms, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. He advocates for participatory approaches to mitigate AI risks and enhance societal impact assessments.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Computational Journalism Lab and contributes to the Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design. His interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science, media studies, and design.

"My work seeks to empower journalists and audiences through critical engagement with algorithms while fostering responsible innovation in media technology."