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

ACM GoodIT'24: Special Track on Educating for a Sustainable Digital Future -- Final Call for Paper Submission
by Announce 31 May '24

31 May '24

*** Final Call for Paper Submission *** ACM 4th International Conference on Information Technology for Social Good (GoodIT''24) 4-6 September 2024, Bremen, Germany Special Track on Educating for a Sustainable Digital Future https://blogs.uni-bremen.de/goodit2024/ ( *** Submission Deadline: 17 June 2024 (FIRM) ***) SCOPE Exploring the development of our digital future requires a comprehensive examination of both individual and societal consequences. Placing excessive emphasis on individual gains, a common practice in individualistic societies for many years, has hindered the ability to grasp the complex dynamics and forward-thinking mindset essential for the sustainability of a contemporary society. The evolving landscape of technology and the ongoing digital advancements have paved the way for creative applications in the field of education, allowing us to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances. When shaping a new approach for Information Systems and Information Technology education, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of individuals as key stakeholders and integral members of the wider community, while also recognizing the pivotal role of collaboration. In this track, we are searching for papers employing innovative technology and approaches to educate the future generation towards world equality, collegiality, inclusion and a more cooperative learning for a sustainable digital future. Values which are emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which overall aim towards creating a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world. This track is particularly relevant to IS/IT educators and those creative IT practitioners who care about developing a sustainable digital future. TOPICS Potential topics for papers include (but are not limited to): • Sustainable and innovative education technologies and practices • Universal access to quality education • The new role for IS/IT in society and education and the value of information and knowledge • The role of cooperative learning for life-long learning and societal developments • Digital transformation: opportunities and challenges for education, work, and society • Digital learning environments: Innovations and trends • Equality, diversity, and inclusion in education, work, and society • The use of large language models and generative AI in education • New topics and domains in IT-enhanced education We hope to attract the interest of IS/IT educators and those creative IT practitioners who care about developing a sustainable digital future. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Please refer to the instructions on the conference web site: https://blogs.uni-bremen.de/goodit2024/submission-of-papers/ . All accepted papers will be included in the ACM Digital Library . IMPORTANT DATES • Submission deadline: 17 June 2024 (AoE) (***FIRM***) • Notification of acceptance: 8 July 2024 • Camera ready: 19 July 2024 TRACK CHAIRS • George A. Papadopoulos, University of Cyprus, Cyprus • Vasso Stylianou, University of Nicosia, Cyprus CONTACT DETAILS Vasso Stylianou, stylianou.v(a)unic.ac.cy

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Call for papers - 10th Annual Conference of the International Journal of Press/Politics (University of Edinburgh, UK, 17-18 October 2024)
by Cristian Vaccari 30 May '24

30 May '24

Call for papers for the 10th Annual Conference of the International Journal of Press/Politics University of Edinburgh, UK, 17-18 October 2024 Deadline for abstracts: 14 June 2024 via https://bit.ly/IJPP2024 Also available at https://cristianvaccari.com/2024/04/04/call-for-papers-for-the-10th-annual-… On 17-18 October 2024, the University of Edinburgh will host the 10th annual conference of the International Journal of Press/Politics, focused on academic research on the relationship between media and political processes around the world. The deadline for submission of abstracts is 14 June 2024. Attendees will be notified of acceptance by 1 July 2024. Registration fees will be due 30 August 2024 and full papers based on accepted abstracts will be due 4 October 2024. A selection of the best papers presented at the conference will be published in the journal after peer review. An editorial discussing the selection and review process for conference special issues can be found at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1940161219869063. The conference brings together scholars conducting internationally oriented or comparative research on the intersection between news media and politics around the world. It aims to provide a forum for academics from a wide range of disciplines, countries, and methodological approaches to advance knowledge in this area. Examples of relevant topics include, but are not limited to, the political implications of changes in media systems; the importance of different types of media for learning about and engaging with politics; the factors affecting the quality of political information and public discourse; media policy and regulation; the role of entertainment and popular culture in how people engage with current affairs; relations between political actors and journalists; how emerging applications of Artificial Intelligence affect key political communication processes; the role of visuals and emotion in the production and processing of public information; the role of different kinds of media during conflicts and crises; and political communication during and beyond elections by government, political parties, interest groups, civil society organizations, and social movements. The journal and the conference are particularly interested in studies that represent substantial theoretical or methodological advances on these issues in an international perspective, especially by adopting comparative approaches and/or focusing on parts of the world that are under-researched in the English-language academic literature. Titles and abstracts for papers (maximum 300 words) are invited by 14 June 2024 via the online form available at https://bit.ly/IJPP2024. Abstracts should clearly describe the key questions, the theoretical and methodological approach, the evidence presented, and the wider implications of the study for understanding the relationship between media and politics in an international perspective. Authors are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible about the spatial and temporal context of their study, the research design and methods employed, the data collected, and the main results of the analyses. The registration fee for the conference will be GBP 300, to be paid by 30 August 2024. The fee covers two conference dinners on 16 and 17 October, lunches and coffee breaks on 17 and 18 October, and farewell drinks on 18 October. The conference will take place at the University of Edinburgh’s John McIntyre Conference Centre. A limited number of registration fee waivers will be available for early career scholars and scholars from countries that appear in Tiers B and C of the classification adopted by the International Communication Association. Applications for fee waivers must be made via the abstract online submission form available at https://bit.ly/IJPP2024. The conference is organized by Cristian Vaccari, Editor-in-Chief of IJPP. Please contact Professor Vaccari with questions at cvaccari(a)ed.ac.uk. More about the University and the journal below. The University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it welcomed its first students in 1583. Through the many achievements of its staff and students, the University has delivered on its central principles of providing cutting-edge research, inspirational teaching and innovative thinking, attracting some of the greatest minds from around the globe. Politics and International Relations (PIR) is one of the largest and most vibrant subject areas at the University of Edinburgh. It is home to more than 600 undergraduates and 100 postgraduate students annually. Its alumni include government ministers, members of parliament, policy analysts, broadcasters, business leaders, teachers, and social entrepreneurs. Its world-leading research directly informs policymakers, ministers, and NGOs. The International Journal of Press/Politics is an interdisciplinary journal for the analysis and discussion of the role of the media and politics in an international perspective. The journal publishes theoretical and empirical research which analyzes the linkages between the news media and political processes and actors around the world, emphasizes international and comparative work, and links research in the fields of political communication and journalism studies, and the disciplines of political science and media and communication. The journal is published by SAGE Publishing and is ranked 14th in Political Science and 17th in Communication according to Clarivate. Cristian Vaccari, he/him/his ************************* Chair in Future Governance, Public Policy, and Technology, University of Edinburgh Director, MSc Future Governance, Edinburgh Futures Institute Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Press/Politics ************************* Personal website: https://cristianvaccari.com/

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Reminder: Call for Participation: Internet Research with Foundation Models?
by Bernhard Rieder 30 May '24

30 May '24

Dear Airlisters, CAT4SMR <https://cat4smr.humanities.uva.nl/> is convening its closing workshop on the exploration of generative methods in internet research on September 3, 2024 in Amsterdam. Situated within the Digital Methods Initiative <http://digitalmethods.net/>, CAT4SMR has been working on tools for capturing and analyzing social media data, such as 4CAT <http://4cat.nl/> and the YouTube Data Tools <https://ytdt.digitalmethods.net/>, but also on how to develop and implement new and innovative research methods. As the incorporation of large pre-trained models (sometimes referred to as “foundation models”, including Large Language Models, Large Vision Models, etc.) into social sciences and humanities (SSH) research moves from novelty to standard, the need to exchange, evaluate, and critique is becoming pressing. This one-day workshop will serve as a forum for investigating how these advanced computational techniques are being integrated into digital research, what opportunities, limitations, and pitfalls they imply, and what this means for academic research. Our conversations will center around several themes: The evolution of digital methods in light of foundation models, exploring how tools like LLMs and LVMs augment and transform established methodologies and introduce new ones into digital research, from thematic textual and visual analysis to the study of misinformation; The critical examination of best practices in the deployment of LLMs or LVMs, from the art of effective prompting to the nuances of model selection, fine-tuning, and evaluation, all within the context of internet research; We are particularly interested in fostering discussions about new epistemologies, ethical implications, and practical issues related to the use of these models in research. This includes the careful examination of models’ black-boxed nature and their (potential) imprint on research, as well as the broader ethical landscape that researchers navigate. We welcome short proposals (about 500 words) for brief presentations on empirical research projects, methodologies, tools, or critiques aligned with our workshop themes, especially those adopting experimental, explorative, or speculative approaches. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: interesting new methods, advancing visual and textual analysis; effective strategies for employing pre-trained models in internet research; taming black boxes: observing, testing, and deploying pre-trained models for digital research; the evolution of interpretive practices with the integration of LLMs; the role of pre-trained models as surrogate expert readers; the delegation of interpretative agency to pre-trained models; reflections on the role of pre-trained models in, or next to, qualitative and quantitative research; challenges and opportunities in the ‘traceability’ of digital actors and research procedures; researching platformed models; platform research with pre-trained models and their (mis)uses for medium-sensitive studies; This will be a one-day meeting with presentations and ample room for discussion. We hope to make this an inspiring event by bringing together scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines, resulting in fruitful collaborations. We have some ability to fund transport and accommodation, and will provide lunch and dinner. Deadline for submissions: June 7, 2024 Submit proposals to: cat4smr(a)list.uva.nl <mailto:cat4smr@list.uva.nl> Notice of acceptance: June 21, 2024 Workshop date: September 3, 2024 Location: Amsterdam City Centre Organizers: Erik Borra, Sal Hagen, Stijn Peeters, Bernhard Rieder --- Bernhard Rieder | Associate Professor | New Media and Digital Culture University of Amsterdam | Turfdraagsterpad 9 | 1012 XT Amsterdam | The Netherlands http://thepoliticsofsystems.net <http://thepoliticsofsystems.net/> | http://labs.polsys.net <http://labs.polsys.net/> | https://www.digitalmethods.net <https://www.digitalmethods.net/> | @RiederB My book Engines of Order: A Mechanology of Algorithmic Techniques is now available: Print: http://bit.ly/eoo-print | Open Access: http://bit.ly/eoo-oa

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Sacred Leadership Book
by Gohar F. Khan 29 May '24

29 May '24

People who research and teach leadership might find this new book useful. The ebook is available to downside free for a limited time: https://a.co/d/7hPuXEp Synopsis: In the bustling corridors of modern corporations, leadership is often synonymous with strategic acumen and financial prowess—qualities deemed essential for navigating the competitive market landscape. This focus has led to a proliferation of leadership styles that prioritize efficiency, competitiveness, and financial outcomes, often at the expense of broader societal welfare and ethical considerations. Leadership is evaluated against metrics like shareholder value, quarterly profits, and market share expansions. Such metrics, while critical, overlook broader societal impacts—environmental sustainability, social equity, and community development. Given the global challenges we face today, there is an urgent need for a shift in how we understand and practice leadership. This book introduces 'Sacred Leadership,' a form of leadership that transcends the narrow confines of corporate interests and aims at the holistic betterment of all stakeholders involved. Cheers, Gohar

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Zoom seminar sept 19th: How is journalism and publishing affected by constant connectivity? (DIGITOX)
by Trine Syvertsen 29 May '24

29 May '24

Welcome to the digitox seminars this fall: A seminar series on connection and disconnection. Contact me for a zoom link or join the digitox mailing list (below). Tues, Sept 19, 2023, 13-14 CET on how journalists and book publishers handle connection and disconnection. Diana Bossio will present the forthcoming book The Paradox of Connection - How Digital Media Is Transforming Journalistic Labor. (Co-authors: Valérie Bélair-Gagnon, Avery E. Holton, Logan Molyneux) Kari Spjeldnæs will present research on book publishers and disconnection. Details here: https://www.hf.uio.no/imk/english/research/projects/digital-disconnection/e… More seminars this fall: NB: Seminars run on Norway time (CET) and are scheduled in different time slots. Wednesday, Oct 25, 15-16 on AI, sustainability and the environment - and how it connects with disconnection studies. With Benedetta Brevini, author of Is AI Good for the Planet? and Christian Schwarzenegger about sustainable user practices. Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023 14-15 on technological resistance in schools and young people's disconnection, with Katie Day Good and Mehri Agai. Best regards, Trine ------ We run two mailing lists from Digitox/Oslo: DIGITOX MAILING LIST: digitox-info: info from the Digitox-project about our seminar series. To join, write an email to sympa(a)media.uio.no and write subscribe digitox-info in the subject field. To unsubscribe: Write an email to sympa(a)media.uio.no and write unsubscribe digitox-info in the subject field (or let me know that you want to be taken off the list). DISCONNECTION-LIST disconnection-research: to post information about research, publications, events etc. All members can post. To join: write to sympa(a)media.uio.no and write subscribe disconnection-research in the subject field. DO YOU HAVE A NEW PUBLICATION? OR A CFP? NOTIFY PEOPLE USING THE DISCONNECTION LIST; ALL MEMBERS CAN POST ON THIS LIST ------------------------------------------------------- Trine Syvertsen, professor, IMK, UiO Project: Intrusive media, ambivalent users and digital detox (NFR) Author of Digital detox: The politics of disconnecting (Emerald 2020) Recent articles: Framing digital disconnection: Problem definitions, values and actions among digital detox organisers (Convergence 2022); Offline tourism: Digital and screen ambivalence in Norwegian mountain huts with no Internet access (Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 2022)

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The Media, Inequality & Change Center is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Researcher focusing on digital equity
by Smith, Briar R. 28 May '24

28 May '24

Deadline for applications: June 30, 2024 About MIC and the project: The Media, Inequality & Change Center occupies the intersection of technology, policy, and social justice. It is committed to studying the political economy of social problems, media, and democracy, while engaging local activist projects, and drawing connections with national and international social movements. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is acutely sensitized to how vitally important reliable and affordable internet access is to almost every facet of our daily lives. After many months of virtual learning, remote working, telehealth, Zooming with our friends and loved ones, it is no longer disputable that the internet is far more than a luxury-nice to have if one can afford it-but an absolute necessity. Increasingly, broadband is understood as a core infrastructure-on par with water and electricity-upon which our basic ability to communicate with one another depends. Modern society simply cannot function without it. Yet the U.S. continues to suffer under a decades-old digital divide that disproportionately harms marginalized communities, especially communities of color and poor households. What are the structural causes of these digital inequities and what are the systemic solutions? With these questions in mind, this research will build on the MIC Center's ongoing analysis of Philadelphia residents' access to broadband services during the pandemic that show a racialized digital divide resulting in part from "digital redlining" based on unaffordable services. Working with researchers and advocacy groups in Philadelphia and beyond, this project will develop a policy advocacy approach to expanding municipal broadband internet access. About the position: * PhD in communication or related field, with an emphasis on political economic analysis. * Experience carrying out independent qualitative and quantitative research. * Experience presenting data in compelling and accessible ways. * Strong writing skills, including experience writing for non-academic audiences. * Experience with survey design and analysis a plus. * Excellent networking skills, ability to cultivate relationships quickly, and experience with activist organizing a plus. * Familiarity with and connections to Philadelphia-area community groups also a plus. First-year postdoctoral researchers will receive a minimum stipend of $66,300 commensurate with prior postdoctoral experience and serve in a 12-month appointment, beginning September 1, 2024. Postdoctoral fellows will receive a taxable relocation allowance of up to $1,000 for domestic relocations and up to $2,000 for international relocations as well as $3,000 in travel/research expenses for work conducted in the center. Postdocs and their dependents are eligible for health insurance under the University of Pennsylvania's plans outlined here: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay/postdoctoral-researchers-and-f…. All postdoctoral fellows must submit documentation to demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Non-US citizens selected for this position will be required to apply for an appropriate US visa. It is expected that the fellow will be present on campus in Philadelphia, where they will receive a workspace. Submitting Your Application You must have a PhD or be receiving your PhD by July 2024. In order for your application to be considered, please send the following materials: Cover Page - include your name and contact information, dissertation supervisor name and contact information, defense date (if degree not awarded), and a short statement of institutional fit (not to exceed 300 words) - explain how your background and experience aligns with MIC's mission and would be applicable to the Center's research in media infrastructures and broadband access. CV- list degrees, peer-reviewed publications, academic non-peer-reviewed publications, public scholarship, invited talks, conference papers, other relevant qualifications, specific research and language skills. Up to two publications (not to exceed 50 pages in total). All materials should be sent as a single PDF document to briar.smith(a)asc.upenn.edu by June 30, 2024. Full call here https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/media-inequality-and-change-cent… Briar Smith Associate Director Media, Inequality & Change Center (MIC) 215-520-0773 (m) 215-573-9218 (o) www.miccenter.org<http://www.miccenter.org>

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Seeking Participants for Research on Streaming Uses and Management in the USA
by Azza El-Masri 28 May '24

28 May '24

Dear Air-L listserv members, I trust this email finds you well. My name is Azza El-Masri and I am a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism and Media. As part of my graduate employment this summer, I have been tasked in recruiting for a multi-country research project focused on understanding how people in Costa Rica, France, Brazil, and the United States engage with digital platforms–particularly streaming platforms (e.g., Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, etc.)–in their daily lives. With this call for participation, we are particularly focused on recruiting *adult participants **based in the United States** and subscribed to at least one streaming platform. * If selected for the study, participants will be asked to describe their experiences with these platforms over several weeks as well as engage in focus group discussions. Participants of this study should expect to commit 2 hours a week for a month during which they will be asked to record their streaming habits, their thoughts about the recommendation algorithms they encounter, and how that may impact their decision-making processes. Participants will also be asked to participate in one online focus group session which will also take place over 2 hours. We will offer *Amazon gift cards* to participants who commit to the entirety of the study over the next month and a half. *Interested individuals can click this link <https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1F9GOZ71ymuBhhc> to the recruitment survey* Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1F9GOZ71ymuBhhc <https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1F9GOZ71ymuBhhc> Thank you! Regards, *AZZA EL-MASRI, *Doctoral Student *(she/her/hers)* Graduate Research Assistant Graduate Research Fellow, Center for Media Engagement <https://mediaengagement.org/team/azza-el-masri/> School of Journalism and Media | The University of Texas at Austin *Need to meet? Book a time slot <https://calendar.app.google/9d1MLDUiRaPZaGxDA> with me.*

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TikTok: Work, Time, and Play in a Platform Economy | University of Edinburgh 14th June
by Ian Rothwell 28 May '24

28 May '24

Sign up to attend a full day interdisciplinary (art history, cultural studies, sociology) conference on the visual culture, politics, and aesthetics of TikTok, with keynotes from Aris Komporozos-Athanasiou and Y7. The conference will rethink a number of questions about digital culture that were initially explored in the early 2010s, with the rise of Web 2.0. Papers will explore contemporary understandings of the construction of the self and collective identity, digital labour and cultural production, political discourse online, digital affect, and more. More information, including full schedule, and links to register can be found below: https://www.newreal.cc/events/tiktok-work-time-and-play-in-a-platform-econo… https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/content-providers-present-tiktok-work-time-a… The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th' ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.

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Upcoming webinars on Social Network Analysis and Generative AI applied to social research
by Alessandro Zonin 28 May '24

28 May '24

Dear Association of Internet Researchers Members, I'm thrilled to invite you to two enriching webinars designed to enhance your expertise in the realm of social media data analysis and scraping. *Social Network Analysis: merging tradition with modern tools and methods* * 📅 Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 ⏰ Time: 7 - 9 PM CEST* Social Network Analysis (SNA) identifies key communities, topics, influencers, and engagement on social media. This webinar blends traditional and modern methods to enhance understanding of digital interactions using social media scraping, ChatGPT, and Gephi for visualization. 👉 Learn the basics and applications of Social Network Analysis. 👉 Explore tools like Phantombuster and Apify for social media scraping. 👉 Use ChatGPT for data analysis and Gephi for network visualization. Enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.it/e/social-network-analysis-merging-tradition-with-… *Turning social media data into valuable insights with ChatGPT 📅 Date: Wednesday, June 26 2024 ⏰ Time: 7 - 9 PM CEST* Transform social media data into valuable insights with ChatGPT. >From basic data collection to advanced analytics, discover how to generate actionable knowledge. 👉 Extracting social media data via web scraping 👉 What is generative AI and its applications for social media data analysis 👉 Generating short articles to showcase social media analysis results Enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.it/e/turning-social-media-data-into-valuable-insight… *SPECIAL OFFER: Apply the discount code AIRONLY to enjoy a 20% discount on both sessions. *Cannot attend? Same contents are available in an online self-paced format. <https://alessandrozonin.gumroad.com> I look forward to e-meeting you and exploring these advanced techniques together. Cheers, -- Alessandro Zonin Digital Data Stories <https://digitaldatastories.it>

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Strange/r/ness: Intimacies in Uncanny Worlds - online, 3-6 June 2024
by Sarah Merry 28 May '24

28 May '24

A series of events presented by the Postdigital Intimacies research cluster in the Centre for Postdigital Cultures, Coventry University. Register at: STRANGE/R/NESS: Intimacies in Uncanny Worlds (eventsforce.net) <https://www.eventsforce.net/cugroup/frontend/reg/thome.csp?pageID=521339&ev…> Join us for a week-long series of online events (3rd-6th June) exploring what is uncanny, strange, and ‘other’ in relation to today’s digital, and postdigital, intimacies. The talks in this event take as their starting point the current context of our seemingly ‘post’-Covid-19 reintegration and disintegration, and the apparent return to ‘normal’ after a prolonged period of deep digitalisation, not to mention the ways in which the digital has come to mediate and, at times, regulate, our most intimate lives, with regard to work, health, relationships, domestic space, and more. We explore, in this context, the expansion of technological surveillance capitalism, disinformation and misinformation shaping how we feel and engage in the world, how make sense of our bodies, and (dis)connect with others, and the ways in which these encounters are simultaneously strange and familiar. Indeed, current questions over notions of truth, agency, and authenticity are, in today’s postdigital cultures, just as likely to lead to violence, polarisation, and the annihilation of marginalised people. Following both Lauren Berlant and Shaka McGlotten then, we use “intimacies” in a (post)digital context to denote “contacts and encounters, from the ephemeral to the enduring, made possible by digital and networked means” and as a “vast assemblage of ideologies, institutional sites, and diverse sets of material and semiotic practices that exerts normative pressures on large and small bodies, lives, and worlds” (McGlotten, 2013; 7). The speakers in this series reflect on the uncanny and familiar in such postdigital intimacies. Collectively, we ask how these contexts generate and, at times, unravel intimacies, as relationalities, connectivities, and networks, that emerge in and through humans, events, technologies, animals, objects, and emotions. In doing so, we start from the assumption that intimacy itself must be thought about differently to take account of the messiness and ambiguities of these connections. *Digital intimacies and the Queer Geographies of Encounter *Dr Regan Koch, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Director of the City Centre, Queen Mary University of London, UK*3rd June, 4-5.30pm BST *Intimacy often refers to deeply personal desires and attachments. It is generally understood to be a private matter that is nonetheless governed by social conventions and heterosexual norms. However, as Lauren Berlant (1998, 282) highlighted, the ‘inwardness’ of intimacy comes with a corresponding publicness – an aspiration for something shared, even if largely unspoken: “Intimacy builds worlds; it creates spaces and usurps places meant for other kinds of relation.” Queer theory emerged, in part, as an orientation towards this kind of world-building. It identifies and affirms relationships and spaces that break with convention, foregrounding LGBTQ+ experiences in an aspiration to create wider publics where desires and sexualities are emancipated from oppressive norms and structures. Berlant’s work did this in part by extending the very notion of intimacy, understanding it not simply as romance or sex, but as a wider epistemology for thinking about social connection. Over the past decade, the ways intimacy is pursued and practised have been radically reshaped by digital technologies. New kinds of devices, software and platforms have brought novel forms of encounter for sex, dating, friendship, entertainment and sharing resources (Koch & Miles, 2021). LBGTQ+ communities are often at the forefront of such changes, driven by the necessity of being marginalised or excluded from the typical spaces of intimacy, and in pursuit of the pleasures and affordances it can bring. In this talk, I will reflect critically reflect upon these new technologically mediated worlds to examine new, queer geographies of encounter which deserve exploration given their far-reaching implications for LGBTQ+ lives and wider society. *Under Cover of Niceness: Deepening White Supremacy through Wellness, Crypto & Hyper Segregation *Dr Jessie Daniels, Professor of Sociology, Hunter College, USA*4th June, 4-5.30pm BST *The conventional way of understanding white supremacy is one that relies on a lens of Othering extremists as incomprehensible miscreants to ordinary, “nice” people. Contrary to this, I explore the way the very idea of “niceness” serves as a kind of cover, a Trojan Horse if you will, for the political and social goals of white supremacy often in very gendered ways. In wellness culture, often dominated by white women, there are repeated efforts to eliminate social inequality from view by focusing on “light and love” inside often all-white spaces like yoga studios and retreat centers. In the world of cryptocurrencies, often dominated by white men, there are repeated claims that moving away from central banking (controlled by “globalists” an antisemitic dog whistle) will solve the world’s problems from a supposedly colorblind vantage point that relies only on math, configured here as “nice” rather than overtly political. The endpoint of both wellness and crypto is hyper segregation in geographic space, whether through gated communities or apartheid states. *Who am I without the things that are familiar to me? *Zea Asis, artist and author of “Strange Intimacies”*5th June, 11am-12.30pm BST *In this talk, Asis reflects on her own process writing the zine Strange Intimacies during the pandemic, which she collaborated on with two other artists. As Asis’ first book of essays, Strange Intimacies is about a young woman's coming-of-age in the Philippines as bound to the necessity of movement, physical, emotional and intellectual, which becomes the impetus for the constant discovery of selves, past and present. Subtitled “Essays on dressing up and consumption,” Asis writes “this is what it means to be ontologically insecure: To live life as if already dead, or in the cusp of it. It is a time we’re forced to evaluate, ‘Who am I without the things that are familiar to me?’ and grapple with the unsteadiness that comes from the drudging perpetual reconciliation of things that once were and how they ought to be now.” Through acts of consumption and romantic interludes, across thrift spaces, office spaces, and streets, Asis captures a womanhood that refuses romanticism, and instead revels in the interweaving of grit and grace necessary for contemporary survival. Asis will speak also to her own experience we as a zine maker in the Philippines, thinking through the 'strange' as it applies to how writers and publishers have created their own paths, outside of mainstream avenues of publishing, to reach their audience and create a circular community of readers, artists, and writers. *Vanishing Act - An Ethnography of Digitalization and the Disappearance of Printed News* Dr Anne Kaun, Professor of Media and Communication Studies, Department of Media and Communication Studies, Södertörn University, Sweden*6th June, 10-11.30am BST *This presentation engages with digitalization through the lens of disappearance, challenging the prevailing narrative of digital emergence and transformation. Guided by Jean Baudrillard's idea that concepts emerge when things begin to vanish, the study focuses on the disappearance of printed newspapers as a case study. There are two main aims: first, to ethnographically document the decade-long shift in news delivery from the perspectives of readers and producers; second, to theoretically understand the role of disappearance in the digitalization process, exploring how experiences of loss shape the emerging media landscape. The research questions delve into the experiences of newspaper distributors, producers, and readers in the face of disappearing print media, as well as the influence of this disappearance on new distribution formats and media practices. The presentation contributes to journalism studies by addressing the overlooked aspect of newspapers’ materiality and distribution shifts. Additionally, it adds to the literature on the role of technology for social and cultural change by exploring loss and disappearance alongside emergence. Methodologically, the presentation builds on material gathered through ethnographic methods to study industry shifts and audience experiences. The aim is to nuance the understanding of the interplay between disappearance and emergence in the digitalization process. Register at STRANGE/R/NESS: Intimacies in Uncanny Worlds (eventsforce.net) <https://www.eventsforce.net/cugroup/frontend/reg/thome.csp?pageID=521339&ev…> *Dr Sarah Kate Merry **(she/her)** | Research Fellow* Centre for Postdigital Cultures <https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/postdigital-cultures/> | Research Cluster : Postdigital Intimacies Coventry University @drmerry30 <http://www.twitter.com/drmerry30>

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