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Two four-year postdocs on Narrative and GenAI
by Jill Walker Rettberg 04 Jul '24

04 Jul '24

The Center for Digital Narrative at the University of Bergen in Norway invites applications to two four-year postdoctoral positions in Narrative Theory and Generative AI, one focused on Scandinavian narratives and the other on narratives from a non-Western culture (for example India). The application deadline is 1 August 2024. The salary is NOK 624 500 per year (about €55,000 or USD 59,000), and membership in the Norwegian welfare system. We are looking for somebody with a PhD in literary studies, media studies or similar who has expertise in narratology or other approaches to analysing and theorising narratives. The two positions will be part of an ERC Advanced Grant research team on the project AI STORIES: Narrative Archetypes for Artificial Intelligence. Links to full job ads: - Scandinavian focus: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/264677/postdoctoral-research… - Non-Western focus: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/264694/postdoctoral-research… The Center for Digital Narrative: http://uib.no/en/cdn AI STORIES: Narrative Archetypes for Artificial Intelligence is an ERC Advanced Grant led by Professor Jill Walker Rettberg.The project will explore and test the hypothesis that deep narrative structures in the datasets that are used to train generative AI models are replicated and perhaps exaggerated in the output of generative AI, and that this could lead to culturally specific narrative biases. Work tasks: - Work in a research team to develop narrative theory that synthesizes and expands on existing research to directly address narrativity in generative AI. This includes developing a thorough literature review of relevant narrative theories and building upon this to develop new theoretical frameworks. - Researching specific traits in non-Western narrative traditions from a culture where English is an official or commonly used language, such as India or Nigeria, and working with the project team to develop evaluation criteria for experiments to assess narrative biases in the output of generative AI that is trained on such narratives. - Publish scientific articles, as well as presenting research at scientific conferences and to the general public, the technology industry, politicians, and other relevant parties. - Co-author a scholarly monograph on narratology and AI with Jill Walker Rettberg and the other postdoctoral research fellow at the project. - Contribute to planning project workshops and take the lead on organising specific events. For more information, email jill.walker.rettberg(a)uib.no<mailto:jill.walker.rettberg@uib.no> Jill Walker Rettberg Professor, Co-Director Center for Digital Narrative<http://uib.no/en/cdn> Leader of Machine Vision in Everyday Life<https://www.uib.no/en/machinevision/> (ERC-CoG) and AI STORIES<https://www.uib.no/en/cdn/169806/erc-wants-see-what-shapes-stories-ai-tells…> (ERC-AdG) University of Bergen https://www.uib.no/en/persons/Jill.Walker.Rettberg

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Special issue published: Homophily in Social Networks
by Esteve Del Valle, M. 04 Jul '24

04 Jul '24

Dear AoIR colleagues, You might be interested in the special theme *Homophily in Social Networks*, recently published in Connections, the journal of the International Network for Social Network Analysis. *Title* Homophily in Social Networks *Editors* Marc Esteve del Valle (University of Groningen, Centre for Media and Journalism Studies). Corresponding author. E-mail: m.esteve.del.valle(a)rug.nl Silvia Donker (University of Groningen, Faculty of Philosophy/Arts) *Abstract * Over the last thirty years, in parallel with the global uptake of the World Wide Web, social network analysis (SNA) has become a significant analytical approach within several disciplines and it currently holds a prominent position in academic discussions across a diverse range of topics. This special theme of Connections, the journal of the International Network for Social Network Analysis, adds to the rapidly growing body of network research with a focus on exploring the principle of homophily in social networks. It presents 5 studies from a selected number of participants to the symposium “Similarity, Selection and Influence: A Cross-Disciplinary Symposium on Homophily in Social Networks” (7-8 July 2022, Groningen, the Netherlands). Taken together, the special theme provides an interdisciplinary understanding of homophily in social networks and outlines avenues for future research to keep investigating the subject. *Contents * - Introduction <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.039> (Marc Esteve del Valle, Silvia Donker) - Intelligencers, Cliques and Stars in the Spread of Seventeenth-Century Cartesianism <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.031> (Silvia Donker) - Networks and Influence in Scottish Enlightenment Publishing <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.034> (Yann Ryan and Mikko Tolonen) - Homophily Versus the Generalized Other <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.037> (Jose Felipe Alarcón González) - Framing Otherness on Twitter: Gender, Elections and Networks <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.032> (Elizabeth Pinilla Duarte) - Exploring Echo Chambers in Twitter Conversation during Two Spanish Regional Elections: An Analysis of Community Interactions <https://sciendo.com/article/10.21307/connections-2019.033> (Raul Broto Cervera, Cristina Pérez-Solà, Albert Batlle) Best wishes, Marc -- Dr. Marc Esteve Del Valle, Assistant Professor, Center for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen (the Netherlands) Associate Editor, *Political Research Exchange* (PRX) Webpage: marcestevedelvalle.com | ThePatio.network <https://thepatio326116328.wordpress.com/> Social Media: Twitter <https://twitter.com/netmev?lang=en>| ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marc_Esteve_Del_Valle>| Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BtRD8IkAAAAJ&hl=en> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Invitation to the Data Workers Inquiry launch
by Adio-Adet Tichafara Dinika | Universitaet Bremen 03 Jul '24

03 Jul '24

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to invite you to the official launch of the Data Workers’ Inquiry[1] project on MONDAY, JULY 8, AT 5:00 PM CET, ONLINE ON ZOOM. PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND![2] The Data Workers’ Inquiry is a community-based action-research project in which data workers conduct research in their workplaces. The community researchers guide the direction of the inquiries, such that they are oriented towards their needs and goals of building workplace power while supported by a core team of formally trained qualitative researchers at the Weizenbaum Institute and DAIR. Each inquiry has a specific format, ranging from reports and zines over podcasts to documentaries. So far, the project repository comprises inquiries led by 16 data workers on four continents. July 8 marks the launch of the project and the repository, and inaugurates our speaker series, where each community researcher will present their project. I’m attaching a flyer for the launch. REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEAKER SERIES, WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER, CAN BE FOUND HERE: DATA-WORKERS.ORG/EVENTS[3]. We are looking forward to seeing you online on July 8! Greetings from the DWI team, Adio Dinika, Krystal Kaufmann, Camilla Salim Wagner, Laurenz Sachenbacher, and Mila Miceli. Links: ------ [1] http://data-workers.org/ [2] https://tinyurl.com/data-workers [3] http://data-workers.org/events Adio-Adet Tichafara Dinika Universität Bremen

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JOB: 3 Professorships in Philosophy & Blockchain, Political Science & Blockchain, Sociology & Blockchain
by Sophie Muetzel 03 Jul '24

03 Jul '24

Dear all The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Lucerne, Switzerland, is looking to fill the following positions for the “Zug Institute for Blockchain Research” *Professor of “Philosophy and Blockchain” (100%, open rank).* *Professor of “Political Science and Blockchain” (100%, open rank)* *Professor of “Sociology and Blockchain” (100%, open rank)* starting February 1, 2025, or by agreement. The successful candidates will play an active role in establishing the interdisciplinary Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne. The newly appointed professorships and their research teams will focus on the social, political, legal and economic consequences of blockchain technology. The aim is to create an institute for blockchain research with a human science focus that is unique in the world in terms of its breadth and diversity. The University of Lucerne explicitly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. *Application deadline is August 4, 2024.* For further information, please see https://www.unilu.ch/en/university/personnel/human-resources-department/vac… Also, please feel free to circulate the job ad amongst your networks. Thanks and best Sophie Mützel sophie.muetzel(a)unilu.ch Professor of Sociology Department of Sociology University of Lucerne Switzerland

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Data Analytics in Biomedicine
by ijwa dline.info 03 Jul '24

03 Jul '24

CALL FOR PAPERS First Workshop on "Data Analytics in Biomedicine" (held in conjunction with IEEE DDP2024) Fourth International Conference on Digital Data Processing Yeshiva University. New York, US 30 September – 01 October 2024 https://socio.org.uk/ddp/workshop/ CALL FOR PAPERS The exponential growth of data generated from various textual sources presents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. A key challenge lies in effectively managing and extracting valuable insights from this vast amount of unstructured and heterogeneous data. To address this issue, advanced data analytics techniques, ranging from data and text mining to semantic network analysis and recent advancements in large language models (LLMs), have become indispensable tools for researchers and practitioners. This is particularly relevant in the realm of biomedicine, where text mining has shown the ability to enable researchers to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and associations that would otherwise remain buried in the vast amount of health-related textual data, for instance, research articles, clinical reports, and electronic health records (EHRs). On the other hand, semantic network analysis, which focuses on understanding the structure and dynamics of networks formed by entities and their interconnections derived from text mining processes, can facilitate a deeper understanding of the complex interrelationships within biomedical data. By analyzing properties like centrality, modularity, and community structures, researchers can identify key nodes and critical pathways in biological networks, predict disease associations, and explore the functional organization of biological systems. The integration of text mining, semantic network analysis, and large language models offers a powerful approach to enhancing the ability to generate new hypotheses and insights and supporting the development of more effective diagnostics, treatments, and interventions. The workshop represents an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in data analytics and text mining in biomedicine. Attendees will gain insights into developing more interpretable models, handling large-scale biomedical datasets, and implementing scalable solutions for real-world healthcare applications. Moreover, the workshop is highly relevant because it has the potential to significantly improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of biomedical interventions through advanced data analytics. TOPIC OF INTEREST We invite submissions on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Novel techniques and measures for assessing textual data quality and handling data integration. Advanced text mining techniques for biomedical data Construction and analysis of semantic networks in biomedicine Case studies on integrated text mining and semantic network analysis Applications of LLMs in biomedicine Data analytics in precision medicine Text-driven approaches to drug discovery Interpretable or scalable data analytics approaches Application of Data Analytics and network science in Narrative Medicine Computational methods for disease modeling and prediction Ethical considerations in biomedical data analytics Multimodal biomedical data analytics Future trends and challenges in biomedical data analytics PROGRAM The workshop will take place on (To Be Announced). The program has yet to be made available. The Venue is Yeshiva University, New York. PAPER SUBMISSION, REGISTRATION AND PUBLICATION The submissions should follow the IEEE template. Please refer to socio.org.uk/ddp/paper-submission/ IMPORTANT DATES Submission of Papers: August 05, 2024 Review and Notification: August 31, 2024 Camera-ready: Sep. 25, 2024 Workshop Date: Oct. 01, 2024 Post-conference proceedings: Nov. 30, 2024 WORKSHOP ORGANIZERS Chiara Zucco, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Mario Cannataro, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Marianna Milano, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy PROGRAM COMMITTEE (TO BE CONFIRMED) Marzia Settino, University of Calabria, Italy Mario Cannataro, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Maria Chiara Martinis, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Giuseppe Agapito, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Pietro Cinaglia, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy Ilaria Lazzaro, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy -----------

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WEBCAST JUL 2 - IPNSIG Academy: LTE/4G for Lunar Surface Communications - Luis Maestro
by Joly MacFie 02 Jul '24

02 Jul '24

Many of us are familiar with challenges of setting up a community network, but what if that network is extraterrestrial? REAL TIME TEXT https://bit.ly/3xyyQdA On Tuesday July 2, 2024, at 4pm-5pm EDT (20:00-21:00 UTC) the Interplanetary Networking Special Interest Group (IPNSIG) presents an IPNSIG Academy Keynote 'LTE/4G for Lunar Surface Communications'. Luis Maestro of Nokia Bell Labs, currently the Principal… Read on blog <https://isoc.live/18121/> or Reader <https://public-api.wordpress.com/bar/?stat=groovemails-events&bin=wpcom_ema…> [image: Site logo image] ISOC LIVE NOTICEBOARD <https://isoc.live> Read on blog <https://isoc.live/18121/> 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=c35ab2b9eed18935a99c99c3…>On *Tuesday July 2, 2024*, at *4pm-5pm EDT* (20:00-21:00 UTC) the *Interplanetary Networking Special Interest Group <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=ad0ab6fe5a8baaca64468995…> *(IPNSIG) presents an IPNSIG Academy Keynote '*LTE/4G for Lunar Surface Communications <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=183dff16a3b3d70c95fdc3ca…>*'. *Luis Maestro <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=bca11b24c36a96a3cfa3a7f6…>* of Nokia Bell Labs, currently the Principal Investigator for the NASA tipping point program aiming at deploying* the first 4G/LTE network on the lunar surface <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=55dcff9c0b29f85f9ce32797…>* in late 2024, will provide mission details, and talk about the projects's benefits, and challenges. *SPEAKER* *Luis Maestro Ruiz de Temiño* - Principal Engineer, DMTS, Nokia Bell Labs *MODERATOR* *Dr. Alberto Montilla* IPNSIG *LIVESTREAM http://livestream.com/internetsociety/ipnsigacademy20 <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=1e755bc53a0523e2d192f4e2…>* *PARTICIPATE VIA ZOOM https://bit.ly/4bsabVR <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=183dff16a3b3d70c95fdc3ca…>* *REAL TIME TEXT https://bit.ly/3xyyQdA <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=0aecc5d5c55a5e5491e70b0b…>* *TWITTER #IPNSIGacademy #BellLabs #lunarexploration @IPNSIG @BellLabs @NASA @Int_Machines @LunarOutpostInc #space* *MASTODON #IPNSIGacademy <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=cbca16ab539143fac9bae015…>* *SIMULCASTS* *https://twitter.com/ISOC_Live <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=70c47ecfa8e4d06596df5620…>* *https://www.twitch.tv/isoclive <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=27212827c97677ba1c562857…>* *https://www.facebook.com/liveisoc/* <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=8c7294070f43a6e6dd118c59…> (AI Captions) *ARCHIVE* *https://archive.org/details/ipnsigacademy20 <http://isoc.live?action=user_content_redirect&uuid=9fe612282fd9c193eec22777…>* - -- -------------------------------------- Joly MacFie +12185659365 -------------------------------------- -

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Call for papers: International workshop on AI and surveillance in policing and law and order: Opportunities, threats, perspectives and cases, October 16-18, 2024
by Marie Eneman 02 Jul '24

02 Jul '24

Dear colleagues, We are very pleased to announce following call for papers to: International workshop on AI and surveillance in policing and law and order: Opportunities, threats, perspectives and cases Workshop organisers: Marie Eneman, Gothenburg University Jan Ljungberg, Gothenburg University Diana Miranda, University of Stirling William Webster, University of Stirling The workshop takes place October 16-18, 2024 at the Department of Applied Information Technology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Purpose of the workshop The purpose of the workshop is to provide an international platform for researchers from different disciplinary areas and academic levels to meet to critically discuss and reflect on different use cases illustrating AI-enabled surveillance in policing contexts. Our aspiration is to generate and share new contributions to knowledge around the existing, future and potential uses of AI, and their implications and consequences, in policing and law and order. In this respect, we aim to reflect on contemporary technological development as well as, and alongside, significant legal, organisational and political contexts. The European AI Act, for example, will play a role in shaping the regulatory environment. Issues relating to how law enforcement authorities navigate and balance the borderland between, on the one hand, the rapid technological development and recently extended mandate to use new technology as part of the authority's work practice, and the emerging comprehensive policy and regulatory framework in which the AI Act has a significant role. Balancing the possibilities with AI for law enforcement while adjusting and balancing the work practices to new regulation will likely create a set of tensions and dilemmas, and may possibly also lead to institutional conflicts. Publication Following on from the workshop the organisers will facilitate the publication of an edited collection on the topic of the workshop to the Routledge Studies in Surveillance book series [https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Studies-in-Surveillance/book-series/RSS…] We aim to include all workshop contributions in this edited collection. Chapter contributions are expected to be in the range of 5-6,000 words. Important dates The deadline for paper proposals (extended abstracts up to 2,000 words) to the workshop is 2nd September 2024 Authors will be notified concerning paper acceptance by 9th September 2024 Workshop takes place 16th-18th October 2024 Deadline for full chapters 3rd February 2025 Review and revision of chapters to take place in February and March 2025 Submission of final manuscript to Routledge, April 2025 The workshop will be delivered in a hybrid format, which will accommodate presentations delivered by Zoom, although we are particularly keen for participants to attend in-person. There is no cost to participate in the workshop apart from possible travel and accommodation costs. The cost of refreshments, lunches and dinner are covered by the host institution. Please spread the call to anyone who would be interested in submitting a paper and who would also be a good fit for the edited book! All info is attached. Welcome to contact us with any questions - marie.eneman(a)ait.gu.se<mailto:marie.eneman@ait.gu.se>! Best wishes, Marie Eneman, Diana Miranda, Jan Ljungberg and William Webster Marie Eneman (Docent/Associate Professor) University of Gothenburg Department of Applied IT 417 56 Gothenburg Switch Board: 0046 31 7860000 Mobile Phone: 0046 709758844 Note: I sometimes send emails outside of office hours for my convenience but please reply at your convenience during your usual working hours.

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Reminder - Deadline approaching: Call for Papers: AI and warfare (Conference, 16-18 October 2024, Berlin)
by ai warfare 02 Jul '24

02 Jul '24

Dear colleagues, The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) and the Department of Media Studies, University of Bonn invite submissions to an international conference on the topic of artificial intelligence and future warfare in Berlin from 16-18 October, 2024. The deadline for the abstracts is 7 July, 2024. More information is also available at www.hiig.de/events/ai-warfare/. Call for papers: An International Conference in Berlin, Germany, 16-18 October 2024 AI and warfare – Investigating the technological and political domains of current conflicts Global conflicts and challenges to international security are among the most pressing issues of our time. Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping the ways in which warfare is conducted, adding both complications and urgency to the issues caused by the current major geopolitical shifts. AI is one of the driving factors of technological change in warfare in general, with its major effects mainly related to new degrees of complexity in automation and new forms of human-machine interaction. On the one hand, this change introduces new capabilities in weapons systems, in particular in the fields of processing information, generating knowledge and the automation of decision-making. Most prominently, this results in a decreasing level of human intervention and control, thereby reshaping the relationship between human operators and autonomous weapons systems. On the other hand, AI-related developments do not only concern the kinetic dimension of warfare but also expand into what military theory calls the ‘information domain’. Shaping and controlling narratives has been an integral part of conflicts and warfare for a long time, with disinformation and propaganda campaigns utilising the most recent (media) technologies for this purpose. The functionality of AI applications will increasingly be integrated in these efforts, as can already be observed with the dissemination of manipulated content on social media. AI-based technologies are also deployed in cyber warfare, which is not limited to the singular hacking of a system, but rather targeted to directly affect whole digital military infrastructures or civilian entities in politics, the economy or research. The objective of the conference is to explore these domains of modern warfare in order to develop a more accurate picture of the various effects of AI in military contexts. Another goal is to broaden the perspective of the military deployment of AI beyond questions of weapon systems and their control, by particularly looking at adversarial uses of AI in hybrid forms of warfare in the information domain. The conference particularly aims to develop and establish a dialogue between the research on these two domains that are often explored separately. Against this background and in this spirit, we invite contributions along the following lines of inquiry: (1) AI in military technologies and the relationship between humans and machines The developments of machine learning and automated decision-making in networked and data-rich environments do not simply change weapons systems but rather have to be modelled as elements in complex systems of humans and machines. Military applications of AI, for example, pose various kinds of problems at the level of human control over these systems which can exert potentially lethal effects. They are also at the core of networked information processing (for example to select targets) and decision-making based on complex forms of synthesising data. Information superiority, situational awareness and electronic warfare are crucial issues for an understanding of the contemporary forms of military applications of AI-based weapons systems. Talks in this section may address historical or contemporary examples for AI-based information processing in military systems and decision making such as target selection, including various forms of cyber liabilities of military networks and infrastructures (for example communication infrastructure as well as logistics or energy supply). It may also explore current technologies based on concepts of human-machine interaction, with questions on the role of interfaces, including battlefield management systems, or human-machine teaming in the interactions between manned and unmanned systems. Relevant contributions in this section may also analyse how research and development of military technologies are informed by larger cultural narratives of AI-enabled weapons. (2) AI and the relationship between political processes and information warfare Automated and autonomous forms of information generation and processing also extend deeply into the media systems of societies, its respective militaries, civil institutions and political systems. Corresponding questions concern various forms of automated manipulation of public opinion, via bots or targeted misinformation (including deep fakes) on social media platforms. This domain particularly addresses the political decision-making processes in an information and media environment that is increasingly influenced by AI technologies. Talks in this section may address topics such as the use of AI in efforts to manipulate public opinion or political processes as part of hybrid attacks or warfare in the information domain. Besides the use of generative AI in producing manipulated content, phenomena also include AI-enabled mass surveillance, as well as the targeting, profiling and tracing of individuals in exerting power or with manipulative intentions (particularly evoking emotional responses). Other issues concern the question of how these developments challenge the idea of democratic legitimacy or mechanisms of regulation and accountability (e.g. democratic control of autonomous decision-making in military contexts). We welcome contributions from scholars of diverse disciplines such as computer science, cultural studies, political science, international relations & security studies, media and communication studies, military studies, psychology, sociology and science and technology studies. Interdisciplinary approaches as well as perspectives from practitioners and developers are also encouraged. Submission process Abstracts of approximately 2,500 characters in length (excl. references) should be submitted no later than 7 July, 2024 to ai-warfare(a)hiig.de. Speakers will be notified at the latest by 31 July, 2024. More information is also available at www.hiig.de/events/ai-warfare/. -- Alexander von Humboldt Institut für Internet und Gesellschaft gGmbH Französische Straße 9 · 10117 Berlin T +49 30 200 760 82 · F +49 30 206 089 60 · www.hiig.de <http://www.hiig.de> · Twitter <https://twitter.com/hiig_berlin> · Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/hiigberlin/> · LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/school/hiigberlin/> Gesellschaftssitz Berlin | Amtsgericht Berlin Charlottenburg | HRB 140911B | USt-ID DE 291 151 171 Forschungsdirektorium: Prof. Dr. Jeanette Hofmann (Geschäftsführung) · Prof. Dr. Björn Scheuermann · Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Schildhauer · Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz | Geschäftsführung: Dr. Karina Preiß

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CFP - Fringe democracy and platformization of the public sphere (special issue ComPol)
by Laura Iannelli 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

**Call for Papers – Special Issue ComPol - Comunicazione Politica - n. 1/2025 (April 2025)** **Title** Fringe democracy and platformization of the public sphere **Guest editors** Giovanni Boccia Artieri (University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy) Axel Bruns (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Ehsan Dehghan (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Laura Iannelli (University of Sassari, Italy) **Description** The contemporary landscape of digital communication is characterized by a complex interplay of public, semi-public, and private spaces (Boccia Artieri et al., 2021). These digital spaces differ in terms of visibility, regulation, and participation, but they are interconnected through reciprocal migration dynamics between “fringe” and mainstream digital media. Fringe platforms (de Winkel, 2023) are alternative platform services which explicitly contest the ideological premises and the practices of mainstream platforms. These platforms can offer diverse types of service (e.g., social media, streaming service, Appstore), express diverse ideologies (e.g., far-right, anarchist, anti-authoritarian positions), and put forward criticisms of various kinds (e.g., contesting Big Tech’s personal data policies and accumulated power, advocating for diverse types of moderation, requesting to give voice to disadvantaged communities) (de Winkel, 2023; Herasimenka, 2022). These alternative digital spaces – at once technical, cultural, and social – are connected to disinformation ecosystems, to the spread of hate speech, and to the normalization of populist and extremist thought (Schulze et al., 2022; Walther & McCoy, 2021). Furthermore, despite their potential ideological variety, some scholars highlight the existence of a relationship of co-dependency and interdependence between the rise of alternative digital spaces and the growth of discursive forms associated with the far-right (e.g., Marwick et al., 2022; Schulze et al., 2022; Törnberg & Törnberg, 2024; Urman & Katz, 2022). For many years, fringe positions have leveraged the distribution power of mainstream social media platforms as “neutral channels,” becoming part of the broader public debate, altering the very nature of political discussion, and destroying the conditions of the public sphere (Esau et al., 2023). With the term “fringe democracy,” we refer to systems, practices, and political movements that exist on the periphery of traditional democratic norms and values, a “democracy from the margins” that tends to become increasingly visible in the online public sphere today. It can involve entities or political groups operating within a democratic framework but advocating for extreme or unconventional ideologies and methods of governance/participation. Fringe democracies often challenge or diverge from established democratic principles such as pluralism, inclusivity, respect for minority rights, and adherence to the rule of law. The main characteristics of fringe democracy are: - Extremist ideologies: movements or parties that may hold radical views significantly diverging from traditional political thought, such as ultranationalism, (anti-)authoritarianism, anarchism, or radical populism. - Marginalization from traditional politics: marginal democratic groups are typically sidelined from mainstream political discourse and may have limited influence within the broader political system. They often attract a smaller, more radicalized segment of the population. - Questionable democratic practices: although they may participate in democratic processes such as elections, their commitment to democratic principles like fair play, tolerance, and dialogue may be weak. They might employ tactics that undermine democratic institutions or the electoral process. - Controversial policies and rhetoric: these groups often advocate controversial or provocative policies that can polarize society. Their rhetoric may target specific groups, promoting division and sometimes inciting hatred or violence. - Potential for destabilization: by challenging the norms and values of traditional democracy, fringe democratic movements can contribute to political instability. The concept of fringe democracy is increasingly linked to the transformation driven by the platformization of the media system (van Dijck et al., 2018), which indicates a process by which digital platforms’ logics transform the communicative dynamics of politics and the public sphere. In particular, the relationship between the platformization of the public sphere and fringe democracy extends along several paths to be explored: - Amplification of marginal voices and mobilization: Digital platforms provide fringe groups with powerful tools to disseminate their ideologies and messages. Social media, in particular, allows these groups to reach a global audience, bypassing traditional “gatekeepers” such as mainstream media and political institutions. Online platforms also enable marginal groups to organize and mobilize more efficiently. This has led to rapid growth and greater visibility for fringe movements, which can influence political agendas and public discourse. - Growth of polarization and overexposure to marginal thinking: In digital environments, users are primarily exposed to information and viewpoints that reinforce their existing beliefs (dynamics of filter bubbles and echo chambers), which could accentuate polarization. This can intensify radical opinions and make fringe ideologies appear more widespread and accepted than they actually are in society at large. - Disinformation and propaganda: The platformization process has facilitated the spread of disinformation and propaganda. Fringe groups often exploit these mechanisms to disseminate false or misleading information, manipulate public opinion, increase the toxicity of the discursive dimension, and discredit traditional democratic institutions and processes. - Global reach and creation of fringe networks: Online platforms connect like-minded individuals across borders, allowing for the creation of transnational fringe networks. This global reach increases their influence and ability to share strategies, resources, and support. - Alternative media ecosystems: Online platforms have enabled the creation of alternative media ecosystems where fringe groups can produce and distribute their content. These ecosystems often operate independently of the oversight and standards of traditional media, which can lead to the proliferation of extreme and unverified content. - Monetization and funding: Many digital platforms offer monetization options, such as ad revenue, crowdfunding, and donations, which fringe groups can exploit to fund their activities. This financial support can sustain and grow their activities beyond what would be possible with traditional means. In summary, the process of platformization has significantly transformed the landscape of fringe democracy by enhancing the reach, organization, and impact of fringe groups. Understanding these dynamics is essential for investigating some of the central themes in political communication studies, such as the quality of the public sphere, the influence of media on the political agenda and mobilization practices, the relationship between the media ecosystem and political polarization, and the processes of mis/disinformation. However, the study of marginal groups and radical counter-platforms that are difficult for researchers to access also poses several methodological challenges (Jost et al., 2023; Peeters & Willaert, 2022; Rogers, 2020). We invite submissions that address topics including, but not limited to, the following: - the role of fringe platforms in the platformized public sphere and in the contemporary media ecosystem - strategies of amplification of marginal voices and the influence of this greater visibility on political agendas - practices of online global mobilization and funding of marginal radical groups - spaces of communication consistent with fringe ideologies and political polarization - fringe platforms, disinformation, manipulation, incivility, and propaganda - narratives, imaginaries, public discussion on fringe platforms **Information for authors** Potential contributors should submit an extended abstract in English (1,200 words, excluding references), a 100-word bio, and the corresponding author’s contact information. Long abstracts must be sent by July 30, 2024 to rivista(a)compol.it. Please indicate that the proposal is for the “special issue 2025” in the email subject. Notifications will be communicated by 3 September 2024. After the abstracts have been selected, authors will be invited to submit a full paper. Please note that acceptance of an abstract does not guarantee publication, given that all papers will go through the journal’s peer review process. **Abstract structure** The extended abstract should present a coherent narrative on fringe democracy and platformization of the public sphere, while highlighting how the authors respond to the special issue call. The abstract should clearly describe the key questions, the theoretical and methodological approach, the evidence presented, and the wider implications of the study. 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. For theoretical works, the abstract should provide a clear and in-depth description of the conceptual framework. **Key dates** • Deadline for extended abstract submissions: *July 30, 2024* • Decision by issue editors sent by: *September 3, 2024* • Full paper submissions: *November 3, 2024* • First round of reviews completed by: *December 15, 2024* • Resubmissions of papers: *January 15, 2025* • Second round of reviews completed by: *January 30, 2025* • Submission of final manuscripts: *February 15, 2025* See the full CFP here: https://www.rivisteweb.it/issn/1594-6061/newsdetail/393 *For further information about the submission process, please contact the editorial team*: Giovanni Boccia Artieri (giovanni.bocciaartieri(a)uniurb.it) Axel Bruns (a.bruns(a)qut.edu.au) Ehsan Dehghan (e.dehghan(a)qut.edu.au) Laura Iannelli (liannelli(a)uniss.it) **About the venue** *Editor in Chief*: Augusto Valeriani (University of Bologna) Comunicazione Politica (ComPol) – founded in 2000 and published by Il Mulino since 2009 – is sponsored by the Italian Association of Political Communication. It is well established among the academic and scientific community as the leading Italian journal that studies, analyzes and discusses the relationships between media and politics. The journal welcomes all research methods, comparative perspectives and analytical articles that deal with emerging political communication topics in Italy and worldwide. ComPol aims at promoting the interdisciplinary development of political communication scholarship by publishing contributions from political scientists, sociologists, mass communication and new media researchers, linguists, historians, and scholars from other disciplines. It features research on the deep transformations that have taken place in the electoral and political arenas in the last decades. The journal pays special attention also to the ongoing developments in the world of professions related to political communication: political marketing and consultancy, public affairs, polls, media management, and the like, with the aim of stimulating the discussion between academic research and professional work in crucial political environments. ComPol publishes articles both in Italian and in English, encouraging submissions also from international scholars. All articles undergo under blind peer-review. The journal is indexed by: Scopus Bibliographic Database (Q2 Communication 2024), ERIH Plus, Articoli italiani di periodici accademici (AIDA), JournalSeek, Essper, Catalogo italiano dei periodici (ACNP), Google Scholar, Primo Central (Ex Libris), EDS (EBSCO). https://www.rivisteweb.it/issn/1594-6061/presentazione **(cited) References** Boccia Artieri, G., Brilli, S., & Zurovac, E. (2021). Below the radar: Private groups, locked platforms, and ephemeral content—Introduction to the special issue. Social Media+ Society, 7(1). Esau, K., Choucair, T., Vilkins, S., Svegaard, S., Bruns, A., O'Connor Farfan, K., & Lubicz-Zaorski, C. (2023) Destructive political polarization in the context of digital communication: A critical literature review and conceptual framework. In International Communication Association (ICA) Annual Conference, issue 73 Herasimenka, A. (2022). Movement leadership and messaging platforms in preemptive repressive settings: Telegram and the Navalny Movement in Russia. Social Media+ Society, 8(3). de Winkel, T. (2023). Fringe platforms: An analysis of contesting alternatives to the mainstream social media platforms in a platformized public sphere (Doctoral dissertation, Utrecht University) Jost, P., Heft, A., Buehling, K., Zehring, M., Schulze, H., Bitzmann, H., & Domahidi, E. (2023). Mapping a Dark Space: Challenges in Sampling and Classifying Non-Institutionalized Actors on Telegram. M&K Medien & Kommunikationswissenschaft, 71(3-4), 212-229. Marwick, A., Clancy, B., & Furl, K. (2022). Far-Right online radicalization: A review of the literature. The Bulletin of Technology & Public Life. Peeters, S., & Willaert, T. (2022). Telegram and digital methods: Mapping networked conspiracy theories through platform affordances. M/C Journal, 25(1). Rogers, R. (2020). Deplatforming: Following extreme Internet celebrities to Telegram and alternative social media. European Journal of Communication, 35(3), 213-229. Schulze, H., Hohner, J., Greipl, S., Girgnhuber, M., Desta, I., & Rieger, D. (2022). Far-right conspiracy groups on fringe platforms: a longitudinal analysis of radicalization dynamics on Telegram. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 28(4), 1103-1126. Törnberg, A., & Törnberg, P. (2024). Intimate Communities of Hate: Why Social Media Fuels Far-Right Extremism. Taylor & Francis. Urman, A., Katz, S. (2022) What they do in the shadows: examining the far-right networks on Telegram, Information, Communication & Society, 25:7,904-923. van Dijck, J., Poell, T., de Waal, M. (2018), The Platform Society: Public Values in a Connective World. Oxford University Press Walther, S., McCoy, A. (2021). US extremism on Telegram: Fueling disinformation. Conspiracy Theories, and Accelerationism. Perspectives on Terrorism, 15(2), 100–124. -- Laura Iannelli *Associate Professor* Department of Economics and Business Via Muroni, 25 - 07100 Sassari (Italy) University of Sassari e liannelli(a)uniss.it <tuonome(a)uniss.it> t +39 079 228976 ● https://www.ipolhys.it/en/ Per favore pensa all’ambiente: se non è necessario, non stampare questa mail. Se è indispensabile, utilizza entrambe le facciate del foglio. -- -- *Dona il 5x1000* all'Università degli Studi di Sassaricodice fiscale: 00196350904

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Special issue published: Locating and theorising platform power
by David Nieborg 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

Dear AoIR friends & colleagues: We want to draw your attention to a new special issue for Internet Policy Review. The introduction plus links to all 10 open access articles is here: https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/introduction-special-issue-loca… Locating and theorising platform power Guest-edited by: David B. Nieborg, University of Toronto Thomas Poell, University of Amsterdam Robyn Caplan, Duke University José van Dijck, Utrecht University Abstract Against the backdrop of ongoing public and political debates about the power and regulation of large platform conglomerates, this special issue calls for more critical, conceptual, and empirical studies on platform power. While a lot of valuable research has already been done, we see a tendency in both public and scholarly debates on leading platform companies to develop one-sided, monolithic understandings of this power. Instead, we want to argue for a relational perspective, which focuses on the relations of dependence that grow around specific platforms. Therefore, contributions locate and theorise platform power. Through specific case studies on particular types of platforms the contributions home in on the various modalities of power. The papers address three broader themes that speak to the different facets of platform power: (1) analysing platform infrastructures and markets; (2) platform governance; (3) the negotiation of platform power and its alternatives. Table of contents The platform behind the curtain: Obfuscated brokerage on retail trading platforms By Andreas Gregersen, University of Copenhagen Jacob Ørmen, University of Copenhagen Monitoring infrastructural power: Methodological challenges in studying mobile infrastructures for datafication By Stine Lomborg, University of Copenhagen Kristian Sick, University of Copenhagen Sofie Flensburg, University of Copenhagen Signe Sophus Lai, University of Copenhagen Platform power in AI: The evolution of cloud infrastructures in the political economy of artificial intelligence By Dieuwertje Luitse, University of Amsterdam Observing “tuned” advertising on digital platforms By Nicholas Carah, University of Queensland Lauren Hayden, University of Queensland Maria-Gemma Brown, University of Queensland Daniel Angus, Queensland University of Technology Aimee Brownbill, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education Kiah Hawker, University of Queensland Xue Ying Tan, Queensland University of Technology Amy Dobson, Curtin University Brady Robards, Monash University Protocol power: Matter, IoT interoperability, and a critique of industry self-regulation By Colin Crawford, Concordia University Platform lobbying: Policy influence strategies and the EU's Digital Services Act By Robert Gorwa, Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) Grzegorz Lechowski, Free University of Berlin Daniel Schneiß, Kiel University Copyright callouts and the promise of creator-driven platform governance By Blake Hallinan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem CJ Reynolds, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Omer Rothenstein, Hebrew University of Jerusalem The contingencies of platform power and risk management in the gig economy By Niels van Doorn, University of Amsterdam Platforms´ regulatory disruptiveness and local regulatory outcomes in Europe By Eliska Drapalova, Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) Kai Wegrich, Hertie School How platform power undermines diversity-oriented innovation By Paula Helm, University of Amsterdam

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