After receiving many outstanding submissions, NULJ is pleased to announce the winners of our 2025 High School Essay Contest. Thank you to all applicants for their enthusiasm and hard work!

About the Topic: 

The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media has fueled significant public concerns, particularly in the context of elections, public health, and national security. Several countries have implemented laws to combat false information, while the U.S. grapples with balancing free speech and the harms of misleading content. Should American lawmakers regulate the spread of disinformation on social media? If so, what legal precedent or constitutional limitations should guide such regulations?

Winners:

1st Place: Zixuan Wang, Between Free Speech and Public Harm: Navigating Misinformation Under the First Amendment

2nd Place: Anna Recicka, Government’s Role in Managing Disinformation

3rd Place: Lucy La Fond, The Regulation of Misinformation and Disinformation on Social Media

Honorable Mentions: Lyn Brinkley, Ethan Mao, Hansol Lee