Biography

Lindsay Hoffman is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware, which she joined in 2007. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Political Science and International Relations and is Director of Public Engagement with the Center for Political Communication.

Hoffman studies political communication, public opinion, media effects, and civic engagement. Her research examines how people encounter, interpret, and discuss political information; how perceptions of public opinion shape political attitudes and behavior; and how digital technologies influence civic life. Her recent work focuses on civil discourse and polarization, online incivility, democratic well-being, and the implications of generative artificial intelligence for political communication and public opinion.

Using surveys, experiments, content analysis, and other quantitative methods, Hoffman investigates the conditions under which communication can strengthen—or undermine—democratic engagement. She teaches courses in political communication, digital technology and politics, public opinion, media effects, and research methods.

Hoffman has authored or coauthored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, and has contributed to externally funded research projects totaling more than $1.7 million. Her recent work includes leading the evaluation of a multi-campus civil-discourse initiative supported by the John Templeton Foundation and directing the University of Delaware’s Blue Hen Poll. She is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, many of whom have presented or published research with her at national and international conferences and academic journals.
 

Awards

Excellence in Teaching Award, 2016, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware

Excellence in Advising and Mentoring​, 2012, University of Delaware​​​