Dear colleagues,
This is a call for papers for a special issue of Communication and Change 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
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Human–algorithm interaction and feedback loops in digital environments
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AI-mediated journalism, automated news production, and synthetic media ecosystems
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Algorithmic bias, digital inequalities, and platform governance
Communication processes and social dynamics
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Communication processes, public discourse, and social interaction in digital environments
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Information diffusion and networked communication dynamics
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Revisiting relevant communication theories in the context of emerging media technologies
Methodological developments and reflection
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Methodological developments in Agent-Based Testing (ABT) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)
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Integration of ABT, ABM, and generative AI in communication research
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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:
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September 1, 2026: Please submit an abstract (1,500 words) to cac@fudan.edu.cn
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October 1, 2026: Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified
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January 15, 2027: Please submit full papers (6,000 – 10,000 words) via the journal's online submission system
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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.
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).
About the Journal:
Communication and Change (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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Tianchan Mao
Fudan U, School of Journalism
Shanghai
China
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