Mapping Social Dynamics Through Networks: Unveiling Complexity with Statistical Validation

• Daniele Cirulli

Online social networks shape how we access information, form opinions, and engage in public discourse. However, they also pose risks, such as echo chambers and polarization, particularly exacerbated by their instrumental use and the rise of AI-generated content. The vast amount of available data has transformed social science into a more quantitative discipline, with network analysis serving as a key tool to structure social interactions. However, the complexity of these networks makes it challenging to extract meaningful patterns from big data interactions. Statistical methods based on statistical mechanics can filter noise, allowing for unbiased analysis. By combining validated network analysis with natural language processing, we can better understand social patterns in the evolving social media landscape.

Dicussion

Extreme Control of Light-Matter Interactions at the Nanoscale

• Christian Lanza

The advent of 2D materials has led to intense efforts to disentangle exotic physics at the nanoscale. In this sense, the behavior of matter interacting with light at the nanoscale constitutes a field of study with a plethora of applications. In particular, the study of polaritons has become essential. In this seminar, an introduction to phonon polaritons (PhPs) and a general overview of the extreme control of PhPs at the nanoscale is provided. The so-called “canalization” of light at the nanoscale is introduced, showing some of the latest results developed at the Quantum Nanooptics Lab of the University of Oviedo.

Discussion