The current research landscape is witnessing a significant shift in how technology influences public discourse, with a growing emphasis on understanding the complex interplay between identity, information, and technological platforms. Studies are delving into the ways in which AI-powered search systems, social media, and online advertising shape our access to information and our political attitudes. A notable trend is the examination of how gender, location, and ideological leanings intersect to form distinct patterns of online engagement, particularly in discussions around reproductive rights and political polarization. Furthermore, researchers are developing novel methods to measure elite polarization and vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the critical role of technology in shaping public health discourse. Noteworthy papers in this area include the analysis of citation patterns in AI search systems, which reveals significant challenges in current systems, and the investigation of YouTube videos on vaccination, which exposes the competition between public health messaging and political commentary. These findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the technological, social, and political factors that influence public discourse and highlight the importance of critically evaluating the information we consume online.