As social media becomes increasingly filled with paid political messaging and inauthentic content, the authors reflect on the importance of knowing who is behind the messages we see online. They share how their work with Rutgers Democracy Lab allows them to take a different approach by creating authentic content that reflects real student experiences and encourages civic engagement.

The New Jersey College Civility Tour event at Rutgers’s Eagleton Institute brought together student leaders from opposing parties to discuss polarization, AI, immigration and democracy, showing that people can agree on the problems while disagreeing on solutions. The authors, Talking Across Difference fellows, reflect on the value of respectful dialogue, and on the need to listen critically when a statement disregards others’ dignity.

Since my time at the Rutgers Democracy Lab, I’ve found myself thinking more deeply and taking the time to notice how disconnected people — especially my generation truly are. There always seems to be something keeping us from coming together in the realm of politics, especially in a time of non-stop crises, political polarization, and the constant pressure to feel engaged and involved.

A student expressed that he felt discouraged from promoting civic engagement as a non-partisan individual in polarizing political spaces. Upon hearing this, Flake encouraged the attendee to become involved in his community.

My Summer 2025 internship on Capitol Hill wasn’t your typical Hillternship. I spent nine weeks working for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Democrats, currently in the minority, but steadfast in their fight for transparency and accountability in our government. 

This summer, I had the immeasurable privilege to pursue two internships in the United States Senate, with the office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, from my home state of New Mexico, and for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources under ranking member, Senator Martin Heinrich. These opportunities were absolutely life-changing.