[Commlist] CfP on "Algorithms, AI, and Computational Communication"

CfP on "Algorithms, AI, and Computational Communication"

This is a call for papers for a special issue of /_Communication and 
Change_/ <https://link.springer.com/journal/44382> on  Algorithms, AI, 
and Computational Communication: Frontiers in Agent-Based Research.

Guest Editors:
Dr. Jinhui Li, Professor, Jinan University, China
Dr. Wen Shi, Associate Professor, Jinan University, China
Dr. Mario Haim, Professor and Chair, LMU Munich, Germany

Overview:

Agent-based approaches have emerged as an important frontier in 
journalism and communication research. By constructing simulated 
entities (i.e., agents) capable of interacting within digital 
environments, scholars are now able to investigate algorithmic systems 
in ways previously unavailable through conventional surveys, 
experiments, or content analyses (Shi et al., 2026). These approaches 
commonly include both Agent-Based Testing (ABT) — which deploys 
simulated users to audit and measure real-world algorithmic systems 
(e.g., Haim, 2020; Shi & Li, 2025)— and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) — 
which simulates communication dynamics within virtual environments to 
explore emergent social phenomena (e.g., Sohn, 2022; Waldherr & 
Wettstein, 2019; Zhong et al., 2023).

This special issue seeks to advance empirical, methodological, and 
theoretical discussions surrounding agent-based approaches in journalism 
and communication research. We welcome empirical studies that apply ABT, 
ABM, and combinations of generative AI and agent-based approaches to 
substantive communication problems across diverse domains, including 
journalism studies, health communication, science communication, 
platform studies, or digital media research. We also welcome 
contributions that develop, reflect upon, or critically evaluate 
agent-based methods.

Themes of Interest (include but are not limited to):

Algorithmic systems and digital media environments

  *
    Human–algorithm interaction and feedback loops in digital environments
  *
    AI-mediated journalism, automated news production, and synthetic
    media ecosystems
  *
    Algorithmic bias, digital inequalities, and platform governance



Communication processes and social dynamics

  *
    Communication processes, public discourse, and social interaction in
    digital environments
  *
    Information diffusion and networked communication dynamics
  *
    Revisiting relevant communication theories in the context of
    emerging media technologies


Methodological developments and reflection

  *
    Methodological developments in Agent-Based Testing (ABT) and
    Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)
  *
    Integration of ABT, ABM, and generative AI in communication research
  *
    Ethical, epistemological, and Open Science challenges in agent-based
    communication research


This special issue particularly welcomes empirical studies, while also 
inviting methodological and theoretical review papers. Interdisciplinary 
and cross-cultural perspectives are especially encouraged. We strongly 
support open science practices, including transparency in data, code, 
simulation design, and research materials.

Important Dates:

  *
    September 1, 2026: Please submit an abstract (1,500 words) to
    (_cac /at/ fudan.edu).cn_ <mailto:(cac /at/ fudan.edu.cn)>
  *
    October 1, 2026: Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified
  *
    January 15, 2027: Please submit full papers (6,000 – 10,000 words)
    via the journal’s online submission system
  *
    End of 2027: The special issue is expected to be published online

For more information, please see 
_https://link.springer.com/journal/44382/updates/27853888_ 
<https://link.springer.com/journal/44382/updates/27853888>. Article 
Processing Charge (APC) is fully sponsored by Fudan University, 
Shanghai, China. No payment from the authors will be required.

Submission Guidelines:
Authors should follow the journal’s standard formatting and submission 
procedures. Please indicate that your manuscript is intended for the 
/Special Issue on /Algorithms, AI, and Computational Communication: 
Frontiers in Agent-Based Research in your email subject line and cover 
letter.

Contact: For any inquiries about the special issue, please contact the 
special issue editor, Jinhui Li (_lijinhuihust@gmail.com_ 
<mailto:(lijinhuihust /at/ gmail.com)>).

About the Journal:
/_Communication and Change_/ 
<https://link.springer.com/journal/44382>//(C&C) is a peer-reviewed, 
open-access international journal dedicated to advancing the 
understanding of communication in the context of rapid technological and 
societal transformation. With emerging technologies such as AI and big 
data reshaping communication practices, social structures, and media 
landscapes, /Communication and Change/ seeks to foster innovative 
research and theory-building that explores the dynamic interplay between 
communication and change.
C&C is published by Springer and is institutionally based at the School 
of Journalism, Fudan University. Professor James E. Katz at Boston 
University and Professor Baohua Zhou at Fudan are the journal’s 
co-Editors-in-Chief.





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