Zane Dayton

Zane Dayton is a Research Fellow in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky's College of Communication and Information. His work focuses on communication dynamics involving accent perception, political messaging, and health-related communication. He has published extensively on topics including how accents influence social judgments, political framing of crises like the opioid epidemic, and the role of jargon and source credibility in science communication.

Dayton’s research employs mixed methods, including content analysis of social media and experimental designs to explore narrative persuasion, stereotyping, and public health messaging efficacy. His recent studies address contemporary issues such as the impact of political polarization on mask mandates and how misinformation spreads through non-specific authority claims during health crises like COVID-19.

Dayton’s articles span journals in communication, psychology, and public health, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding communication’s role in societal challenges. His work underscores the importance of clear, culturally sensitive communication strategies to counter misinformation and bridge social divides.