KU economics expert can discuss how misinformation in social networks may affect midterm election

LAWRENCE — As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, University of Kansas researcher Tarun Sabarwal is available to discuss how misinformation contagions in social networks might affect the Nov. 3 election.

“Spreading misinformation for personal gain is not new,” said Sabarwal, a professor of economics at KU.

“The difference with social media is the speed at which information spreads, the scale of its effect and the relative lack of accountability for content. Social media communication is a catalyst in the chain reaction of information transmission.”

Sabarwal was awarded a patent July 21 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his algorithms that manage network contagion. 

Drawing on his expertise in market and multi-agent equilibrium analysis, the professor develops computationally tractable algorithms that characterize network contagion as an equilibrium phenomenon. He proves that these algorithms apply across all network structures rather than being restricted to networks with specialized architectures, making the invention broadly applicable. His research is helpful for anyone studying influence propagation in connected networks, as in election misinformation.

“Fact-checking before information can be shared globally and/or legal consequences for spreading misinformation can slow down the spread of misinformation. Clamping down on the proliferation of fake accounts, trolls and accounts designed mainly to proliferate misinformation would help as well,” Sabarwal said. 

His invention can also be applied to commercial environments.

For example, in influencer marketing of corporate products, the algorithm predicts the equilibrium impact on new sales from persuading any given person (or group of people) to adopt the product. Combined with the cost of persuasion, this provides a systematic cost-benefit tradeoff that the company can use to develop cost-effective marketing campaigns with more focused outcomes, he said.

Sabarwal received his doctorate in economics and master’s degree in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley. He is the founder of the Center for Analytical Research in Economics and is an expert on interdependent decision-making and its collective impact.

To schedule an interview with Sabarwal, please contact KU News Service public affairs officer Jon Niccum at jniccum@ku.edu.