April 2024 - Air-L - lists.aoir.org

NEW BOOK. The Anthropology of Digital Practices: Dispatches from the Online Culture Wars by John Postill
by John Postill 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

Dear all I am very pleased to announce that my new book *The Anthropology of Digital Practices: Dispatches from the Online Culture Wars* (Routledge, 2024) is now out. The book connects three distinct research areas – digital ethnography, causal ethnography, and media practice theory – to explore how we might track the effects of new media practices in a digital world. It invites media and communication students and scholars to overcome the field’s old aversion to ‘media effects’ and explore the messy, complex, open-ended effects of new media practices in a digital age. Based on long-term ethnographic research and drawing from recent advances in the study of causality and ethnography, this book tells the ‘formation story’ of the anti-woke movement through a series of critical media events, namely Trump, Covid-19, George Floyd and Ukraine, with a Postscript on the Israel-Hamas war. The study argues that digital media practices (e.g. podcasting, YouTubing, tweeting, commenting, broadcasting) will have ‘formative’ effects on an emerging social world at different points in time. One important task of the digital ethnographer is precisely to distinguish between the formative and non-formative effects of specific media practices. The key dramatis personae include Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, Sam Harris, Tucker Carlson, Bret Weinstein, and Heather Heying. I hope it will be useful in both undergrad and postgrad teaching, incl. in media/digital anthropology, media and communication studies, digital politics, social movements research, and qualitative methodology. Happy to do guest talks on it. More info here: https://www.routledge.com/The-Anthropology-of-Digital-Practices-Dispatches-… If you're on Twitter/X, please like or retweet this post: https://twitter.com/JohnPostill/status/1779804487680671788 Best wishes John Postill RMIT University, Melbourne

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2 postdoc & 2 phd positions, ALGOFOLK project, University of Bergen
by Gabriele de Seta 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

Hello, some positions that might be of interest to people on this list. I am hiring two postdoctoral researchers and two phd researchers to work on my project ALGOFOLK (Algorithmic folklore: The mutual shaping of vernacular creativity and automation) at the University of Bergen. These are 3-year and 4-year full-time positions embedded within a generously funded research project working at the intersection of digital sociology/anthropology, critical AI studies, STS, and digital humanities. I am looking to hire people with a background in social sciences and humanities, an interest in the social life of technology, and a global outlook, as well as documented experience with ethnographic and digital humanities methods. The deadline is May 7th, and I encourage anyone who might be interested to get in touch with me for more details on the project. Postdocs: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/261664/postdoctoral-research… PhDs: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/261652/phd-research-fellowsh… best, Gabriele de Seta

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Call for Applications – Summer School Technography – 25-26.7. Dortmund – fully funded
by Paula Helm 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

Dear PhD students, TU Dortmund University is hosting a PhD Summer School in July for doctoral candidates conducting research in interdisciplinary contexts at the interfaces of social and technical sciences. The Summer School is organized by Cornelius Schubert, Ronja Tirschler (TU Dortmund) and Paula Helm (University of Amsterdam). We look forward to receiving applications! - Date: July 25 and 26, 2024, TU Dortmund University - The Summer School will be held in English. - Deadline for the application: 26.04.2024 - Participation is free of charge, travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed - Please send applications (in English) to Marion Nölle (wt.fk17(a)tu-dortmund.de<mailto:wt.fk17@tu-dortmund.de>) - For further questions please contact Ronja Trischler (ronja.trischler(a)tu-dortmund.de<mailto:ronja.trischler@tu-dortmund.de>) For more information, please see the attached Call for Participation. Please also forward the mail to interested colleagues. With best regards Cornelius, Ronja & Paula. _____________________ Dr. Paula M. Helm Asst. Prof. in Data Science & Empirical Ethics Coordinator MA Cultural Data & AI Media Studies Department School for Cultural Analysis Co-Research Lead: IAS, Empirical Ethics Group University of Amsterdam Personal Profile<https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/h/e/p.m.helm/p.m.helm.html> - Publication<https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/h/e/p.m.helm/p.m.helm.html#Publications>s - Zoom<https://uva-live.zoom.us/j/6747115965>

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ACM RecSys 2024 - 1W Reminder for Full Papers (Abstracts due: April 22, 2024)
by Lien Michiels 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

* We apologize if you receive multiple copies of this CfP * For all the details of this CfP, visit: recsys.acm.org/recsys24/call/papers =============== The 18th ACM Conference on Recommender Systems. Bari, Italy, 14–18 October 2024 =============== GENERAL INFO ACM RecSys is the premier venue for research on the foundations and applications of recommendation technologies. ACM RecSys 2024 will continue RecSys’ practice of connecting researchers, practitioners, and students to exchange ideas, frame problems, and share solutions across a range of specialties concerned with recommendation =============== CALL FOR FULL RESEARCH PAPERS We are pleased to invite you to contribute your original research to RecSys 2024: LONG PAPERS should report on substantial contributions of lasting value. The maximum length is 16 pages (plus up to 2 pages of references). ============== IMPORTANT DATES **Full papers** Abstract submission deadline: April 22, 2024 Paper submission deadline: April 29, 2024 [NEW] Author rebuttal period: June 10-17, 2024 Author Notification: July 22, 2024 Camera-ready version deadline: August 19, 2024 Deadlines refer to 23:59 (11:59pm) in the AoE (Anywhere on Earth) time zone. ============== TOPICS OF INTEREST Topics of interest for RecSys 2024 include but are not limited to (alphabetically ordered): - Algorithm scalability, performance, and implementations; - Bias, fairness, bubbles, and ethics of recommender systems; - Case studies of real-world implementations; - Conversational and natural language recommender systems; - Cross-domain recommendation; - Data characteristics and processing challenges underlying recommender systems; - Economic models and consequences of recommender systems; - Evaluation methodology for recommender systems; - Explanation interfaces for recommender systems; - Large-language models as part of recommender systems; - Multi-stakeholder recommendations; - Novel approaches to recommendation, including voice, VR/AR, etc.; - Preference elicitation; - Privacy and security; - Socially- and context-aware recommender systems; - Systems challenges such as scalability, data quality, and performance; - User studies of recommendation applications. ============== IMPORTANT NOTES While there will be the option to attend remotely, authors of accepted papers are expected to present the work in person. The peer review process is mutually anonymous (double-blind). Each paper should not be previously published or accepted to any peer-reviewed journal or conference, nor currently under review elsewhere. ============== PROGRAM CHAIRS Questions about this CfP? Contact the program chairs Thorsten Joachims, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA Katrien Verbert, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Email: program2024(a)recsys.acm.org ============== For more details on this CfP, visit: recsys.acm.org/recsys24/call/papers Kind regards Lien Michiels On behalf of the RecSys 2024 Publicity Chairs Alain Starke, Olivier Jeunen and Lien Michiels

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WEBCAST APR 18 – AFRINIC – Exploring African ccTLDs: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
by Joly MacFie 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

** Since April 1 2024 - the ISOC Live community livestream service is no longer funded by the Internet Society - big thanks to our first monthly sustaining sponsor Vint Cerf for his support! ** Just starting. I thought i was keeping count on these webinars, but they are too multitudinous! REAL TIME TEXT https://bit.ly/3Uo1kzk Read on blog <https://isoc.live/17698/> or Reader <https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&bin=wpcom_ema…> [image: ISOC LIVE] <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=70a9da574307508758fd698…> On *Thursday April 18 2024* at *09:00-10:30 UTC* the *African Network Information Centre <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=3c07bea5661409f143a699d…> *(AFRINIC) presents another episode in its *2024 AFRINIC Webinar series <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=129d36c167b8a1ff1815f63…>*, with the theme '*Exploring African ccTLDs: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=ad5e8994f6e6522372de586…>* '. In recent years, the digital landscape in Africa has been rapidly evolving, with the Internet playing a pivotal role in shaping socio-economic development across the continent. One pivotal aspect of this evolution is the use of Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs). ccTLDs is crucial in defining a nation's online presence and digital identity. This webinar delves into the trends, challenges, and opportunities surrounding African ccTLDs, shedding light on their significance in the continent's digital journey. *SPEAKERS* *Barrack Otieno* - General Manager, Africa Top Level Domains Organization (AFTLD) *Yazid Akanoh* - Technical Engagement Specialist for Middle East and Africa, ICANN. *Lucky Masilela* - Chief Executive Officer, ZA Central Registry NPC *Albert Kamga* - Director of Standardisation and Cooperation , ANTIC Moderator: *Stephen Honlue *- Project Manager and Transformation Lead, AFRINIC *LIVESTREAM https://livestream.com/internetsociety/afrinic2024-cctld <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=afb5934d06204f2a8fbcfdc…>* *PARTICIPATE VIA ZOOM https://bit.ly/3xE7IcP <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=ad5e8994f6e6522372de586…>* *REAL TIME TEXT (See ISOC.LIVE <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=70a9da574307508758fd698…>)* *TWITTER #cctld #AFRINIC <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=fe651196dbaf29b18006d35…> @mhonlue @AFRINIC @otienobarrack @aftld @yakanho @ICANN @Ngagaru @ZA_CR Albert Kamga @antic_cameroun * *MASTODON #afrinic <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=1042b9ad58583b86d082145…>* *SIMULCASTS* *https://twitter.com/ISOC_Live <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=22d52211a4d3b411357c247…>* *https://www.twitch.tv/isoclive <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=1574eab2f6cda9c00a65dc0…>* *https://www.facebook.com/liveisoc/ <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=2ec9101ce75c084cdcc4c55…>* *ARCHIVE* *https://archive.org/details/afrinic2024-cctld <http://isoc.live/?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=70da089e22b906507c73a38…>* Permalink https://isoc.live/17698/ -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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2024 AoIR Dissertation Award Nominations
by Michelle, Association of Internet Researchers 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

The Association of Internet Researchers is pleased to call for submissions for the 2024 AoIR Dissertation Award. To be eligible for the AoIR Dissertation Award, a PhD dissertation in the area of internet research must have been filed in the 2023 calendar year. Nominations (self and other) must be received by 17 May 2024. All methods and disciplines are welcome. Submissions details: - A nomination letter that explains why the dissertation is deserving of the award - How it contributes to internet research - A PDF copy of the dissertation should be emailed to dissertationaward [at] aoir.org - The graduate or their supervisor must be a member of AoIR (by 17 May 2024) - Self-nominations are permitted - Filed in 2023 (meaning fully defended, all edits complete, filed/published with a 2023 copyright) The recipient of this award will be announced mid-year 2024. In addition to winning a cash prize, the individual will be presented an award during the AGM at #AoIR2024 conference in November.. The committee this year is comprised of Alan Shaw-Leeds Beckett University (Chair), Amelia Johns-University of Technology Sydney, Walter LaMendola-University of Denver, Stephen McConnell-New York University, Sarah Murray-University of Michigan For any questions please contact Alan Shaw dissertationaward [at] aoir.org or Nicholas John prez [at] aoir.org.

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CFP: Workshop on Generative AI as a method in social sciences
by Vigren Minna 18 Apr '24

18 Apr '24

Hello, We are excited to invite you to the workshop ”Generative AI as a method in social sciences”. We appreciate help in circulating the call with colleagues working on the topic. Workshop descriptions and questions In this half-day hybrid workshop, we focus on exploring different ways of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and how it could be used as a method in social scientific research, and what ethical and practical considerations are implied. We invite researchers working on the topic to submit an abstract (maximum 300 words) by May 13 to miguel.gomezhernandez(a)monash.edu<mailto:miguel.gomezhernandez@monash.edu>. The notifications on acceptance will be sent out on May 27. The methodological papers on the use of GenAI in research can present research ideas, ongoing projects, or research findings. In exploring the practical examples of methods and methodologies involving GenAI we would expect the proposal to state a clear contribution, for example by accounting for at least one of the following questions: 1. How does the use of GenAI in research methods shift the ways we can research and the qualities of the knowledge we can generate? What are the benefits of this? 2. What are the ethical considerations of engaging with GenAI as a research method? 3. How do we unpack what is and is not meaningful to understand in the datasets and classifications when using GenAI as a research method? 4. How should researchers address the political economies of the construction of AI systems when using GenAI as a research method? 5. How might the wider planetary consequences of using GenAI as a research method frame our research practices and methods? 6. How can critical researchers engage in decolonising GenAI systems when using them as a method? How can we resist the hegemonic and often naturalised narratives of the AI industry and provide alternatives that frame the use of these technologies as a research method? 7. How can GenAI be applied as a research method in research projects whose objective is to generate a radical reimagining of AI's technological development and role in society? Workshopping dynamic: We will have two sessions with presentations (10 minutes each) and 20 minutes of Q&A. The second session is dedicated to online presenters. Please prepare your presentations being mindful of the time and the readability of the content. After an afternoon tea and coffee break, in our last session, we will divide the participants in groups and ask them to agree on 3 key insights from the previous presentations and prepare a short showcase arguing for them. This group exercise will enable us to move forward planning future collaborations and discussions. Key information Date: 27/6, 1.00 pm - 6 pm AEST * Hybrid: online and in Melbourne (Australia) * Location: Building 97, RMIT University, 106-108 Victoria St, Carlton VIC 3053 * CFP Deadline: May 13 * Notification of acceptance: May 27 If you have any questions, please contact miguel.gomezhernandez(a)monash.edu<mailto:miguel.gomezhernandez@monash.edu> The workshop is organised in collaboration with Emerging Technologies Lab, Monash node of ADM+S, and research project Imagining Sustainable Digital Futures (Aalto University, Finland). On behalf of the organising team, Minna ******** Dr. Minna Vigren Imagining Sustainable Digital Futures (Research Council of Finland postdoc project) Information Networks / Department of Computer Science (room A214) Aalto University (Finland) https://www.minnavigren.net Ketonen-Oksi, S. & Vigren, M. (2024). Methods to imagine transformative futures. An integrative literature review. Futures 157, article number 103341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2024.103341 Vigren, M. (2024). Imagining alternative mediated futures: Critical speculation as a method. In SAGE Research Methods: Diversifying and Decolonising Research. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529692563 Ylipulli, J. & Vigren, M. (2023). From skilled users to critical citizens? Imagining and future-making as part of digital citizenship. In D. Radovanović (ed.) Digital Literacy and Inclusion: Stories, Platforms, Communities (pp.15–31). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-30808-6_2

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Join us in this workshop about video games and work in Latin America
by ivan flores 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

Hello everyone, I'm sharing this invitation to participate in a workshop on video games and work in Latin America, which will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico in July of this year. We are looking for researchers who have conducted studies with video gamers or employees in the industry. We hope that this space will help us discuss our findings and challenges in the field with the aim of building and strengthening bonds to collaborate in the future. You can present in either English or Spanish, and participation can be in person or online. I'm sharing the link where you can find more information: https://relatamevj.wordpress.com/2024/04/11/workshop-para-digra-2024/ -iván PhD in Anthropological Sciences Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, México. https://bento.me/iv-an

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Call for abstracts | Mediaflows Conference '24: Citizenship in the Digital Media Sphere
by DAFNE CALVO MIGUEL 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

Call for abstracts Citizenship in the Digital Media Sphere University of Valencia, Spain (September, 18-20th) The contestation among various political and social entities to exert control over communication channels within the public sphere encompasses the manipulation of agenda-setting and the domains in which such discourse transpires. This contention is exacerbated within the contemporary milieu characterised by a surplus of content, predominantly disseminated through electronic mediums, and public attention often indifferent to the criterion of informational quality. Regardless of their professional status, the purveyors of these messages—be they verified, misrepresented, or intentionally false—vie for the attention of identical audiences (Bennett & Livingston, 2022). Digital platforms have significantly augmented the accessibility, visibility, and sway of social, political, and institutional actors within and beyond the confines of political communication. Meanwhile, traditional media, having also staked a claim within this hybrid environment (Chadwick, 2013), are experiencing a partial erosion of their influence over public opinion (Bennett & Iyengar, 2008). Within this paradigm, the strategic manoeuvres of incumbent and oppositional political leaders are profoundly shaped by the evolving dynamics of public expression and social discourse. These dynamics encompass a multitude of actors, effects, and communicative processes, collectively contributing to the intricate tapestry of public opinion (López García, 2017). Political communication necessitates alignment with the prevailing societal issues and sensitivities that citizens seek to address or resolve. Public opinion does not materialise spontaneously but rather necessitates leadership both from above—within the political and power echelons—and from below —manifested through social entities such as groups, movements, or associations— (Grossi, 2007). Historically, the media assumed the responsibility of curating, accentuating, and directing attention towards specific topics, perspectives, and controversies, thereby shaping public discourse. Furthermore, they played a pivotal role in promoting, bolstering, framing, interpreting, and guiding certain concepts and symbols, subsequently becoming focal points for public deliberation and negotiation. However, with the advent of communicative capitalism (Dean, 2005), the centrality of social networks has engendered a diversification in the functions of the media, leading towards the emergence of a post-media public sphere (López García, 2022). Consequently, there has been a discernible attenuation in the traditionally mediating role of broadcasters, accompanied by a reconfiguration of the roles assumed by various social and political actors within the communication realm. In this milieu, formerly confined to a predominantly passive role, citizens now assume a multifaceted position characterised by their engagement in the reception, generation, exchange, and dissemination of diverse forms of information (Calvo & Campos, 2021). The transition from passive audiences has led to scholarly inquiries reevaluating citizen involvement within the digital media sphere. This paradigm shift has given rise to various phenomena, notably, mobilisations catalysed by expressions of indignation and outrage (Killen, 2023). Through digital communication channels, such mobilisations validate experiences originating from peripheral public spheres, thereby acquiring the potential to permeate broader societal discourse, as exemplified by the phenomenon of angry voters. Conversely, a burgeoning segment of the populace increasingly shuns traditional news sources, gravitating instead toward entertainment products that espouse political fandom and epitomise pop politics (Mazzoleni, 2019). This conference endeavours to juxtapose traditional and emerging manifestations of political leadership, strategy, and agenda-setting within a contemporary milieu characterised by intense competition for public attention and ideological filtration. Notably, social media platforms have assumed a pivotal role as conduits for disseminating and discussing political information in recent years. The overarching objective is to foster discourse that critically examines the intricate interplay between these spheres in political communication. The structured program envisages the active participation of scholarly experts specialising in this domain alongside pertinent representatives from the political and social arenas. Beyond merely scrutinising the interconnections between the agendas of diverse stakeholders and the traditionally ascribed hegemony of mass media—both traditional and digital—the conference aspires to comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving the clash of interests and socio-political forces as reflected in their thematic priorities and dynamics within the public domain. Moreover, the conference seeks to delve into controversies emerging across various spheres of societal life (Palau & López-García, 2022). Thematic lines: * The role of the public in the digital media sphere. * Participatory democracy and audience democracy. * Social activism in the digital era. * New opinion leaders and their impact on public discourse. * Theoretical approaches to citizen participation. * Building the public agenda in the digital environment. * Radicalisation, extremism and anti-democratic threats. * Challenges of media intermediation. * Social and political consequences of polarisation. * Information disorder and journalism deterioration. Important Dates: * Deadline for abstract submissions: February 21st to May 15th. * Notification of accepted/rejected papers: June 1st. * Final program release: June 15th. Abstract Submission Guidelines: * Abstracts (max 500 words) in Word format, including title and keywords. * Must align with at least one thematic line. * Accepted in Valencian/Catalan, Spanish, English, and Portuguese. * Anonymous evaluation process. Registration: * Fee: 120 euros; reduced rate of 80 euros for pre-doctoral students and unemployed researchers. * The conference provides two grants for pre-doctoral researchers, covering travel, accommodation, and registration fees. * Attendance and presentation registration is mandatory. Certificates will be issued bearing the signatures of all paper authors, contingent upon their presentation of research at the congress. Publications: * Accepted papers may be submitted for evaluation to contribute to a monograph in an indexed journal or a book by a leading publisher. Contact: * Comprehensive details and contact information for the conference can be found on its official website: https://eventos.adeit.es/112074/detail/congreso-mediaflows-2024.html.

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Re: [Air-L] New Report: Northern Lights and Silicon Dreams: AI Governance in Canada (2011-2022)
by Fenwick Mckelvey 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

Dr. Jonathan Roberge and I are pleased to announce the publication of the Canadian team's second report for the international Shaping AI <https://www.shapingai.org/>project on AI Governance in Canada (2011-2022) based on research coordinated by Dr. Sophie Toupin and myself. *Read the report here: https://www.amo-oma.ca/en/ai-policy-report/ <https://www.amo-oma.ca/en/ai-policy-report/>* You can read more in a co-published piece with Joanna Redden in the Conversation: https://theconversation.com/the-federal-governments-proposed-ai-legislation… Our key findings: 1. Canadian AI governance focuses on economic and industrial policy. National symbolic investment in AI dampens critical discussion about the technology and its risks. 2. AI governance is uncoordinated and lacks clear mandates for consultation and effective mechanisms of feedback, which impedes good governance and public participation. 3. AI policy is marked by notable silences on key issues, including Indigenous rights and data sovereignty, the creative and cultural sectors, and the environmental impact of AI. 4. The Government of Canada is a key site of AI development and deployment that remains understudied in current legislation. The chapters cover a range of topics, including: - the Canadian government’s algorithmic impact assessment - ethics and federal AI procurement - public consultations on the use of facial recognition technologies - the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research’s involvement in AI research and policy - the use of racially biased AI technology in Canada’s immigration system Highlighting the need to improve consultation and public participation in AI governance, the report questions the assumptions behind the development of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and its inclusion in Bill C-27. AIDA’s passage raises larger concerns about digital policy development and governance, accountability, and oversight in Canada. Shaping AI <https://shapingai.org> is part of a multinational and multidisciplinary social research project that examines the global trajectories of public discourse on AI in four countries (Germany, UK, Canada, and France) over a ten-year period, 2012-2021. Funded by the European Open Research Area, Shaping AI brings together leading research teams from each of the four countries under scrutiny. -- Be good, Fenwick

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