Harsh Taneja

Harsh Taneja is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, holding dual appointments in the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising and the Institute of Communications Research, with an affiliate role at the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. His research focuses on digital media ecosystems, audience behavior, misinformation dynamics, and global communication patterns. He explores how technological infrastructures shape media consumption, the persistence of fake news, and the evolving role of platforms in audience engagement.

His work bridges computational social science and media studies, analyzing topics such as algorithmic recommendations, cross-cultural media use, and the impact of platform monopolies. Notable recent projects include studies on K-pop visibility in global media landscapes, the role of distrust in journalism, and strategic approaches to combating misinformation. He has published widely in journals like Convergence and Media and Communication, with a focus on empirical and theoretical advancements in audience measurement and media fragmentation.

Dr. Taneja contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives such as the South Asian Languages, Images, and Data Lab, advancing research on cultural digital practices in global contexts. His research has practical implications for media literacy education, advertising ethics, and policy frameworks governing digital platforms.