About Me

Diya Saraf
diyasaraf2001 [at] gmail [dot] com

I’m a graduate student in Computer Science at the University of Southern California, working with Emilio Ferrara and Luca Luceri at the Information Sciences Institute (ISI). My research spans computational social science, network modeling, and multimodal machine learning, focusing on how algorithms shape attention, trust, and influence online.

Research Highlights

• TikTok VISTA Project: studying algorithmic amplification of nicotine-related content.
• Telegram Coordination Graphs: analyzing multilingual propaganda networks (npj Complexity, 2025).
• Audit Puppets: using controlled personas to audit YouTube and TikTok recommendations.
• Generative Influence: examining how large language models drive or detect online persuasion.

Background

• B.S. Computer Science & Engineering, minor in Math, Santa Clara University
  – Clare Boothe Luce Scholar, advised by Yuhong Liu
  – Research on online trust and emoji-based engagement (IEEE DPSH 2024).
• Software Engineering Intern, Dell Technologies
  – Worked on CI/CD automation and encryption infrastructure.

Interests

Data storytelling, media history, and sociotechnical systems.
Fun fact: I love listening to pop—from Michael Jackson and Boney M to Taylor Swift. My playlists are an unpredictable mix of retro groove and modern pop.