UNM Researcher Tackles AI Misinformation's Impact on Public Health

Jegason Diviant's work explores how AI literacy can be a social determinant of health

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:25am

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Jegason Diviant, a Ph.D. student at the University of New Mexico's College of Population Health, has dedicated his research to understanding the impact of AI-driven misinformation on public health. Diviant, who was diagnosed as autistic at age 40, has a unique perspective on how AI literacy can affect employment opportunities and overall health outcomes, especially for neurodiverse individuals. His work has taken on new urgency as the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT have accelerated the spread of misinformation, particularly during events like Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Why it matters

Diviant's research highlights the growing importance of AI literacy as a social determinant of health. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, from operating systems to office tools, the ability to navigate these technologies ethically and transparently can directly impact employment, mental health, and physical wellbeing. His work advocates for educational policies that support AI fluency, arguing that preparing students to use AI responsibly is crucial for their future success and public health.

The details

Diviant began his Ph.D. program at UNM in 2020, initially focused on understanding the difference between good and bad COVID-19 information online. He has since expanded his research to document how AI-driven misinformation affects public health, using real-world events like Hurricane Helene as case studies. In 2024, Diviant analyzed sources from the White House, state governments, FEMA, and the Surgeon General to create a podcast breaking down the misinformation crisis during the hurricane. This work highlighted his concern that people were engaging with AI bots on social media without realizing they were not real humans.

  • Diviant joined the UNM College of Population Health Ph.D. program in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
  • In 2024, Hurricane Helene provided Diviant with a real-world case study to illustrate his research concerns about AI-driven misinformation.
  • Diviant successfully defended his MPH Professional Paper in November 2023, earning his Master of Public Health with an epidemiology concentration.

The players

Jegason Diviant

A Ph.D. student at the University of New Mexico's College of Population Health who was diagnosed as autistic at age 40. His research focuses on the impact of AI-driven misinformation on public health, with a particular emphasis on how AI literacy can be a social determinant of health.

University of New Mexico College of Population Health

The academic institution where Diviant is pursuing his Ph.D., with a focus on exploring the intersections between AI and educational technologies.

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What they’re saying

“Schools are acknowledging the value and demand for students to be AI fluent for the jobs of today and tomorrow by incorporating use of AI across disciplines and departments. This is happening in the country at all educational levels.”

— Jegason Diviant, Ph.D. student, UNM College of Population Health (Mirage News)

“I think conversations need to explore the integration of new teaching and assessment strategies that fit emerging technologies and expectations of job markets. This can happen by teaching students how to make use of AI in ways that simultaneously augment learning and productivity.”

— Jegason Diviant, Ph.D. student, UNM College of Population Health (Mirage News)

What’s next

Diviant plans to continue his doctoral work exploring the intersections between AI and educational technologies, with a focus on developing strategies to improve AI literacy and mitigate the spread of misinformation.

The takeaway

Diviant's research highlights the growing importance of AI literacy as a critical skill for the future workforce and a key social determinant of health. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, preparing students to navigate these technologies responsibly is crucial for their long-term wellbeing and the overall public health of communities.