Diverting Hate Summer 2026 - Research Assistant
About Diverting Hate
Diverting Hate is a leading organization in the realm of digital interventions, committed to disrupting hate-fueled narratives and providing empathy-driven alternatives to online extremism, particularly male supremacy. Founded by Courtney Cano, Kaitlyn Tierney, and Astrid Askenberger as graduate students at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Diverting Hate rose to prominence by winning the Department of Homeland Security’s Invent2Prevent competition in 2022. With subsequent funding from DHS's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), it was formalized as a 501(c)3 in 2023. Our pilot programs with ten partner organizations and engagements with stakeholders like TikTok and the former White House have helped divert vulnerable individuals away from harmful ideologies, with our impact recognized by major publications, including The Wall Street Journal.
In 2024, Diverting Hate expanded its relationships with established organizations in the public health space, including collaborations with Movember and Equimundo. Moving beyond government funding, and into the innovative space of foundations and philanthropic donors, the organization now looks to capitalize on the insights and wins from the pilot program under their CP3 FY22 grant. We’re now collaborating with leading researchers, advocates, and practitioners in the movement to prevent hate-fueled violence in the U.S. and around the globe.
WHAT WE DO
Partnerships & Digital Advertising
Our methodology extends beyond mere hate prevention; we aim to cultivate understanding, empathy, and positive connections to drive a social behavior shift among this audience. We partner with 10 men’s wellness and community organizations to drive at-risk men away from the ‘manosphere’ and towards healthier alternatives. Through amplifying our partners' voices, we aspire to redirect the audiences’ attention towards more positive content that nurtures life skills and promotes the overall well-being of men.
Applied Research
Our method merges research with action to redirect harmful online behavior using social media. Central to our approach is a dynamic research framework that constantly monitors emerging trends, influential figures, and the evolving language within various communities. By staying well on the pulse of these developments, we can effectively identify and classify key terms, websites, user accounts, and hashtags prevalent within the manosphere. This comprehensive understanding enables us to pinpoint and target at-risk individuals on social media platforms before they become irreversibly indoctrinated with harmful content. Our research capabilities serve as the cornerstone of our platform-agnostic solution, allowing us to efficiently identify instances of hate speech and take swift action to address them.
Applied Ad Technology
Our adoption of Applied Advertising Technology allows us to measure our impact by monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), such as reach, engagement, and conversion rates. Understanding these performance KPIs is essential, as they provide insights into potential refinements to enhance our messaging, effectiveness, and reach in the future.
Campaigns
Currently, online platforms face a binary choice when dealing with extremist content: either shut down the offending account or ignore it. Our work offers a third option: to encourage lasting changes through platform infrastructure by instead exposing at-risk users to alternative positive content. Looking ahead, we'll focus on evaluating full conversion to our partners’ programs and analysis of changes in online behavior to best understand the true impact and transformation of our work.
Success To Date
We first achieved recognition by winning the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Invent2Prevent competition in 2022, followed by ~$700,000 in funding. In 2023, we formalized as a 501(c)3 and partnered with 10 organizations, expanded our research, and worked with policy stakeholders such as TikTok and the former White House. We have been featured in the Wall Street Journal: "Rescuing Men from 'Rage Rabbit Holes” and at meaningful events such as the “White House Back-To-School CyberSecurity Summit.”
In May 2024, Melinda French Gates named Gary Barker as one of 12 global leaders who will each distribute a $20 million fund to charitable organizations doing urgent, impactful, and innovative work to improve women’s health and well-being in the United States and around the world. This opportunity comes as a part of an effort by Pivotal Ventures to mobilize billions of dollars toward advancing women’s power globally. As part of this, Gary Barker and his team at Equimundo launched the Caring Masculinities Fund, and named Diverting Hate as one of its foundational partners. We officially kicked off this two-year funding in early February of 2025.
Bi-Annual Reports For Reference
Middlebury students have contributed to our reports that are distributed to DHS, DOJ, HHS, the White House Gender Policy Council, dozens of academics in the extremism space, the TikTok Hate Speech Policy Team, and more.
Job Description: Undergraduate Summer 2026 Research Assistant
The internship will comprise two primary duties: research and campaigns.
Research
The Diverting Hate (DH) research assistant will contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the DH database in keeping it relevant, timely, accurate, and comprehensive as it relates to the manosphere and the proliferation of violent misogynistic hate speech. Key tasks will include OSINT research, contributions to DH’s reporting through written analysis of key findings. The DH research assistant will also contribute to network analyses of the manosphere online in support of strategic targeting.
The DH research assistant (research track) will be actively involved in assisting in the collection and analysis of data from a range of sources, including mainstream social media platforms and other online forums where misogynistic rhetoric is prevalent. This task will provide hands-on experience in data analytics and open-source intelligence (OSINT). The RA will also conduct in-depth literature reviews and support ongoing research efforts, which include writing original analyses for semi-regular publishing. This aspect of their role will deepen their knowledge of extremism research and technology policy.
Key Qualifications
- Fluency in language outside of English
- Knowledge about and interest in the misogyny online, domestic extremism, and their communities online
- Experience in collecting data.
- Knowledge in SQL, R commander, network analysis, and/or other relevant data analytic tools.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Analytic skills.
- Fluent in English.
- Experience in researching extremism and counterterrorism or gender/masculinity is a bonus
Under the supervision of the Diverting Hate team, responsibilities and duties include:
- Work with the research team to produce semi-regular written analyses and key insights on trends within the manosphere. These analyses will be shared with our network and relevant stakeholders and will provide insight into the manosphere for the larger CVE industry.
- Add to the DH database with relevant research of key profiles, key terms, key language, and any other pertinent information, as well as review the database for accuracy on a regular basis.
- Support in conducting network analyses across key social media platforms.
- Monitor current events and themes on social media regarding incels and the manosphere.
- Read up-to-date research and report findings to the DH team.
Campaigns
The DH research assistant will also gain hands-on experience in digital marketing, social media advertising, and campaign management. The assistant will work closely with our marketing team to optimize campaigns, analyze performance metrics, and contribute to our overall marketing strategy. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills in digital advertising and gain practical experience in a dynamic marketing environment.
Key Qualifications:
- Knowledge of digital marketing principles: Familiarity with key concepts and best practices in digital marketing, including social media advertising, campaign optimization, targeting, and metrics analysis.
- Creative mindset: Ability to think creatively and contribute to the design and development of engaging ad content, including copywriting and visual elements.
- Analytical skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret campaign performance data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations for optimization.
Under the supervision of the Diverting Hate team, responsibilities and duties include:
- Campaign management: Assist in the setup, optimization, and monitoring of digital advertising campaigns on the X, YouTube, Meta, and Reddit Ads platform.
- Ad creation and design: Contribute to the development of engaging ad content, including copywriting and collaboration with the design team for visual elements.
- Performance analysis: Analyze campaign metrics and performance data to identify trends, evaluate effectiveness, and provide recommendations for optimization.
- Reporting and documentation: Assist in the preparation of campaign reports, tracking documents, and other marketing materials to communicate results and insights.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Work closely with the marketing team, including designers, copywriters, and managers, to coordinate efforts, share ideas, and contribute to overall campaign success.
- Stay up-to-date: Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in digital advertising and social media marketing.
Mentorship Opportunities
Research assistants will have access to a range of mentoring opportunities designed to support their professional growth and deepen their engagement with Diverting Hate’s mission. Each RA will work closely with the Diverting Hate team, receiving direct guidance on research methodologies, digital intervention strategies, and campaign execution. Weekly check-ins will provide structured opportunities for feedback, goal-setting, and professional development discussions. Additionally, RAs will participate in team meetings where they can engage with the Diverting Hate team, gain insights into high-level strategic decision-making, and contribute their perspectives to ongoing projects.
RAs will have opportunities to connect with Diverting Hate’s extensive network of experts in the fields of counter-extremism, public health, and digital interventions. Through interactions with external partners, RAs will gain exposure to career pathways and industry best practices. The team will also facilitate introductions to professionals in the RAs’ areas of interest, helping them build meaningful connections that extend beyond the internship.
Both assistants will receive specialized training in media engagement, open-source intelligence gathering, and policy writing. Additionally, training will cover areas such as data analytics, technology policy, and design principles. This training is tailored not just to support the project but also to bolster their academic and professional development.
Other Information
*We will interview on a rolling basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible. Offers will be finalized by March 9.
Timeline: Ten weeks between early June and the end of August 2026 at 30 hours/week.
The CCI Select Internship Program offers Middlebury students the opportunity to take part in impactful, hands-on internships across the U.S. and around the world. Each position is chosen for its strong mentorship, meaningful learning outcomes, and potential to help students explore career interests in a real-world setting.
- Funding: Interns receive a $5,000 CCI award to support their summer experience.
- Requirements: Your résumé must be CCI-approved to apply. Selected interns must participate in all cohort meetings and complete pre-internship forms, a post-internship evaluation, and a donor thank-you letter.
- Eligibility: Open to returning Middlebury students. Seniors graduating in May 2026, students not enrolled in Spring or Fall 2026, and those planning to transfer are not eligible.
These internships are made possible through the generosity of Middlebury College donors who believe in the power of experiential learning.
Explore your interests. Gain experience. Make an impact — with CCI Select.