David O'Sullivan

My primary research focuses on the science of social networks (like Facebook or Twitter/X). I develop analytical tools to understand (1) how network structure affects the spread of information and behaviour (e.g., does fake news spread differently than a virus like COVID-19?), (2) the social mechanisms that allow for the emergence of different behaviours on networks, (3) how social networks can shape and reflect the online and real-world debates around public deliberative processes (such as the polarized opinion groups around the Irish marriage referendum on Twitter/X), and (4) how networks can be used to identify groups with differing attitudes. I am also keenly interested in the application of statistical methods to real-world problems for industry.