- Air-L - lists.aoir.org

Survey participants needed: Understanding social media in daily lives of autistic young people
by Jessica Aiston 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

Dear Association of Internet Researchers, I am a postdoctoral researcher at Queen Mary University of London, working on the project Autism in Affinity Spaces<http://autisminaffinityspaces.org>. We are currently running a survey about social media usage, particularly in relation to areas of intense interests. The survey is open to anyone in the UK, who is aged 16-26, and identifies as autistic (an official diagnosis is not a requirement to take part). We particularly welcome participation from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups as well as people who identify as non-speaking or low-speaking, as these groups are currently under-represented in autism research. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take the survey, or distribute it amongst your networks. The survey is open until the 31st of March 2024. To take the survey, visit: https://qmulbusiness.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SDZuBAW5QHHKHc Best wishes, Jessica Aiston

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Social Network Analysis: merging tradition with modern tools and methods
by Alessandro Zonin 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

🗓️* Upcoming webinar. Thu, Feb 22 · 7 - 9pm CET* 👉 In an age where technology is evolving at a rapid pace, the tools and methodologies we use to understand and interpret the vast digital landscape are crucial. Traditional ways of analyzing social interactions with the lenses of network analysis are being complemented—and in some cases, replaced—by innovative approaches. 📘 This webinar aims to bridge the gap between traditional and cutting-edge methodologies. We will dive deep into online conversation analysis, spotlighting the synergy of *social media scraping*, *generative AI tools* like ChatGPT, and the comprehensive capabilities of *Gephi* for *network* *visualization*. 🔗 Enroll Here: https://www.eventbrite.it/e/social-network-analysis-merging-tradition-with-… *Please apply the discount code AIRONLY to enroll with a 10% discount. I hope to e-meet you soon.* Hurry up because the seats are limited! Cheers -- Alessandro Zonin Digital Data Stories <https://digitaldatastories.it> | Socioviz <https://socioviz.net/> | LEAD <https://linkedinforbusiness.it/servizi/linkedin-per-gli-hr-manager/lead/> Linkedin <http://linkedin.com/in/zonin> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/AlessandroZonin>

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CfP: Epistemic Challenges and Democratic Accountability in European Media
by Minna Aslama 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Epistemic Challenges and Democratic Accountability in European Media 24-25 October 2024, University of Helsinki. The transformative changes in communication infrastructures intersecting with multiple social, political, and ecological crises put societies to the test. Today, a handful of multinational platform corporations dominate global markets in social media, cloud infrastructure, digital search, digital advertising, mobile operations, and digital messaging. Opaque algorithms exacerbate the problem of epistemic injustice and increase social distrust. How democracies and welfare states respond to the challenges depends on their epistemic capacity: citizens’ ability to access reliable information and their right to participate in knowledge production and be recognized in public discussion. It also refers to the epistemic authority and accountability of key democratic institutions and their ability to provide legitimate, shared knowledge that serves decision-making and supports policy choices. This demands new insights on how datafied media systems and infrastructures intersect with existing societal and epistemic risks and vulnerabilities; and on the options and obstacles for effective policy. Epistemic Challenges and Democratic Accountability in European Media brings together an interdisciplinary community of scholars and experts to take stock of the current challenges. Two intensive days of invited lectures, paper sessions, and panel discussions zoom in on the new conditions of knowledge production, the responsibility of digital platforms, and the intersection of inequalities and technologies in a datafied and polarized communication landscape. How can employing the notion of the epistemic help us understand and mitigate harms and support epistemic justice and agency? We welcome abstract submissions related to the following three themes. * Knowledge production, equality, and digital technologies [E.g., Epistemic rights and agency; Professional journalism and other epistemic authorities in datafied, algorithmic infrastructures; Changing networked knowledge from search engines to language models] * Digital platforms and accountability in the era of polycrisis [E.g., Digital platforms and inequalities; Digital technologies and environmental sustainability; Platform regulation and policies] * Democracy and artificial intelligence technologies [E.g., Public response to AI; Algorithms, political communication, and epistemic harms; European and global governance of AI; Epistemic infrastructures and methodological innovations] Important days and information The deadline for submissions of abstracts (max 400 words) is April 12, 2024. Contact and abstract submission: Veera Koskinen, veera.koskinen(a)helsinki.fi Notification of acceptance: May 13, 2024 The entire programme will be released on June 7, 2024. Registration Fees: 40 € per attendee: includes lunch and coffee. Confirmed speakers include: Mike Ananny (University of Southern California); Hilde van den Bulck (Drexel University); Adrienne Russell (University of Washington); Eugenia Siapera (University College Dublin). Visit the conference webpage for more information: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/conferences/epistemic-challenges-and-democratic-… The conference is organized together with the research consortium The Democratic Epistemic Capacities in the Age of Algorithms (DECA) ( https://www.decatutkimus.fi/home) research project Media platforms, and social accountability: Dynamics, practices and discourses (MAPS) at the University of Helsinki (https://blogs.helsinki.fi/mapsproject/) and The Euromedia Research Group (https://euromediagroup.org/) -- Dr. Minna Aslama Horowitz @aslama https://minnahorowitz.net/

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International Conference "Polarization and Beyond: What Comes Next in Political Communication Research?"
by Marino, Giada 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

We would like to announce the upcoming international conference *Polarization and Beyond: What Comes Next in Political Communication Research?* *Final Symposium of the Research Project I-POLHYS Investigating POLarization in HYbrid media Systems* 22 - 23 February 2024 University of Bologna Aula Poeti, Palazzo Hercolani – Strada Maggiore, 45 Bologna The conference aims to disseminate the main results of the I-POLHYS research project (www.ipolhys.it) by sharing them with the national and international scientific community, and a broader audience. Additionally, the conference aims to involve Italian and International researchers who explore various dimensions of political communication dynamics that intersect with the theme of polarization. All presenters will discuss 'What Comes Next?' in their upcoming endeavors in personal research or the imminent challenges facing the discipline. *Keynote speaker:* Axel Bruns (Queensland University of Technology) *Speakers:* Giuliano Bobba, Ana S. Cardenal, Alessia Donà, Richard Fletcher, Fabio Giglietto, Annette Heft, Laura Iannelli, Rita Marchetti, Giada Marino, Antonio Martella, Sergio Martini, Marco Mazzoni, Claudia Padovani, Elena Pavan, Arianna Piacentini, Rossella Rega, Nicola Righetti, Patricia Rossini, Danilo Serani, Sergio Splendore, Anna Stanziano, Cristian Vaccari, Augusto Valeriani, Aidar Zinnatullin. *Chairs/Discussants:* Sara Bentivegna, Giovanni Boccia Artieri, Donatella Campus, Cristopher Cepernich, Gianpietro Mazzoleni, Paolo Mancini. *Scientific Committee:* Augusto Valeriani, Laura Iannelli, Elena Pavan, Sergio Splendore The event is in partnership with the Italian Association of Political Communication. https://www.ipolhys.it/en/final-symposium-of-the-research-project-i-polhys-… -- Giada Marino, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow @University of Urbino Vera.ai <https://www.veraai.eu/home> researcher I-POLHYS <https://www.ipolhys.it/> team MINe <https://mine.uniurb.it/> team Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3hdpfxMAAAAJ&hl=en> Linkedin <https://it.linkedin.com/in/giada-marino-6b12b088> Threads *@gi_hades@threads.net <http://@gi_hades@threads.net>* Blog SMSnacks <https://socialmediasnacks.tumblr.com/>

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Two digital education lectureships at the University of Manchester
by Mark Carrigan 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

Hi everyone, Our digital education group at the University of Manchester is recruiting for two permanent teaching & research lectureships: *Lecturer in Generative AI for Education:* https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=28153 *Lecturer in Digital Education: * https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=28151 The deadline is March 18th for both of the posts. We’re a growing team with a successful masters programme (f2f & online) and a research group which was established a couple of years ago. It’s a really vibrant interdisciplinary community to work within, with areas of expertise including digital sustainability, generative AI and personalised learning. Cheers, Mark markcarrigan.net <http://www.markcarrigan.net/> | @theplatformuni <http://www.twitter.com/theplatformuni/> LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-c-516017123/> | Soundcloud <https://soundcloud.com/mark-carrigan> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflmX41wlvtXPIhy51Wfonw/videos> | Recent publications <https://manchester.padlet.org/j04936mc/jbob1uin0weo43dh> *I occasionally send e-mail outside of normal hours as my preferred way of balancing multiple commitments. Please don't feel obligated to respond to this e-mail until your own working hours have resumed. *

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JOB: Assistant/associate professor (tenure track) in global communication sciences at LUT Finland
by Anna Rantasila 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

Dear Air-L folks, The Department of Social Sciences at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, is looking for a professor of global communications and climate change. The Department of Social Sciences was founded in 2022 under the LUT School of Engineering Sciences. The department understands society and human activities in relation to global sustainability problems and consists of two disciplines, social science and communication sciences. In autumn 2024, three master's programmes in social sciences and communication sciences will start at the department. The department will eventually detach and form an independent school of its own at the university. The professorship falls under the communication sciences programme at the Department of Social Sciences. Communication sciences at LUT focus on global communication, strategic narratives, disinformation, soft power, and different forms of influence in the modern environment of advanced technologies and media. The position is situated at the assistant/associate professor levels of the tenure track and will be filled through an open call for a fixed term of four years on LUT's Lappeenranta campus, Finland. The tenure track system offers researchers a possibility to advance to a full professorship. The work will start with a six-month trial period. We are looking for a future-oriented professor interested in global climate communication(s) in a mediatised and technologised world, relating particularly to climate change and LUT's strategic focus areas - clean water, air, and energy. Specifically, we are looking for a curious mind who is interested in a long-term academic career and is passionate about continuous learning and making the world a better place through science. For more information, please see the full job ad: https://lut.rekrytointi.com/paikat/index.php?jid=1049&key=&o=A_RJ&rspvt=68l… The deadline for the applications is March 21, 2024. With Kind Regards, Dr. Anna Rantasila anna.rantasila(a)lut.fi<mailto:anna.rantasila@lut.fi> +358 50 3223039 University Lecturer, Communication Sciences School of Engineering Sciences LUT University

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2024 Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute
by Nicole Stremlau 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

The 2024 Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute is open for applications! 2024 Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute Jesus College, Oxford July 29-August 9, 2024 https://pcmlp.socleg.ox.ac.uk/oxford-media-policy-summer-institute-2024/ In the tradition of the Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute, now in its third decade, this year’s edition — Technology, Policy and Democracy in Flux: From Inequalities to Inclusion — brings together regulators, policymakers, graduate students, academics, NGOs and others to engage with issues at the heart of technology law and policy: democracy, justice, and security in the digital age. 2024 is a year of unprecedented electoral contests. Around 4 billion people are expected to vote across 50 countries. As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, there are growing concerns about the accelerating spread of mis/disinformation around elections and the increasing use of internet shutdowns and surveillance as a response to both domestic and international threats. As some have suggested, we are in the midst of a ‘polycrisis’ turned ‘permacrisis’. In this year’s Summer Institute, we will focus on several core themes, including AI for development and human rights, its growing application in anticipating crises, the role of technology in conflict, and the regulation of new technologies, including AI and social media. With the participation of speakers from around the world, we will explore these themes in the context of 2024’s year of elections and the pressures facing a range of polities. By focusing on current events such as the continuing wars in Ukraine and Ethiopia, the politics of AI policymaking across the Global South, and efforts to curb hate speech in countries that have markets marginal to Big Tech, we will explore issues of infrastructure, inequalities, and ways to foster inclusion. Our approach is decidedly global, with an emphasis on the Global South. We will also use our vantage point from the UK to discuss emerging issues in the EU and engage with local actors, including Ofcom, the BBC, and the European Commission. As with Summer Institutes in the past, we will have speakers from across Oxford, as well as prominent guests from policy, government and the private sector. One of the most exciting aspects of the Summer Institute is the vibrant and engaged group of participants and the lasting networks created. For over two decades, the Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute has built a dynamic cohort of alumni worldwide. Join us to discuss contemporary issues of global media policy over breakfast, during seminars, and on long walks through the Oxford countryside! Please get in touch with us if you have any questions: pcmlp(a)csls.ox.ac.uk<mailto:pcmlp@csls.ox.ac.uk> . Apply by March 24, 2024 for an early decision. The final application deadline is April 24, 2024. https://pcmlp.socleg.ox.ac.uk/oxford-media-policy-summer-institute-2024/

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TikTok Cultures Research Network's OA report <A Retrospect on Young People and COVID-19 Discourse on TikTok>
by Jin Lee 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

Dear colleagues, I hope this email finds you well. On behalf of TikTok Cultures Research Network [TCRN], a scholarly network for academic resources and events about TikTok studies (founded in 2020), I'm excited to share our recent Open Access report here that might be of interest to you. - *A Retrospect on Young People and COVID-19 Discourse on TikTok (*Curated and Authored by Crystal Abidin & Naomi Robinson, 2023) < https://tiktokcultures.com/covid-19-report/> - This report is a summary of findings on pandemic-related discourses by young people on the short video platform - It is based on a series of projects undertaken by TCRN from 2019 to 2023. You can find more about TCRN's work; please visit our website < https://tiktokcultures.com/> and our socials < https://twitter.com/tiktokcultures>, < https://www.instagram.com/tiktokcultures_ig/>. If you have any questions about TCRN's recent projects and membership, please direct your queries to <tiktokcultrues(a)gmail.com> Best, Jin -- Jin Lee, PhD Research Fellow, Internet Studies, Curtin University & ARC Centre of Digital Child Affiliate researcher, Korean Research Centre of Western Australia Visit my website <https://ljin8788.wixsite.com/website> for more

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CFP: Science Misinformation Panel
by Rod Abhari 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Do you research science misinformation, politicization, or conspiracy theories? I am putting together a preconstituted panel of 4-5 papers for The 2024 AoIR Conference. This panel will discuss the role of digital media in contributing to, and addressing, epistemic problems in public science. If you are interested in contributing to this exciting discussion, please reach out to me by Friday, February 23rd. Best, Rod Rod Abhari Northwestern University School of Communication abhari(a)u.northwestern.edu

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Reminder: Submission deadline for #AoIR2024 is 1 March 2024
by Michelle, Association of Internet Researchers 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

*This is a reminder that the deadline to make submissions for #AoIR2024 is just two weeks away: 1 March 2024, 23:59 UTC.* If you are unsure what time this is where you are, please check here <https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=AoIR2024+Submissi…>. In the meantime, submissions for AoIR 2024 are already being uploaded daily. We would greatly appreciate your help with the review process, even if you are unable to submit a proposal this year. As ever, our goal is to create a broad, engaging, and diverse selection of conference presentations that reflect the breadth of our research community, and we can only do that with engaged and thoughtful reviewers. If you are submitting to the conference this year, please consider volunteering to review. *More details on submitting and reviewing below, but the deadline of Friday, 1 March 2024 is the same for both!* - - - *Submitting* The 2024 conference welcomes contributions that address the theme of Industry (https://aoir.org/aoir2024/aoir2024cfp) as well as submissions on topics that address social, cultural, political, legal, aesthetic, economic, and/or philosophical aspects of the internet beyond the conference theme. To re-familiarize yourself with the types of submissions solicited, please see here: https://aoir.org/aoir2024/subtypes. The submission deadline is 1 March 2024 for papers, panels, roundtables, fishbowls, experimental sessions, and pre-conference workshops. When submitting, please take the time to read the submission categories and topics carefully; this helps us match your submission to suitable reviewers. To learn more about how submissions are reviewed, please see here: https://aoir.org/sub_review_info_aoir. *If accepted as a presenting author, you must register for the conference by the Early Bird deadline of 1 August 2024*. Accepted paper and panel submissions will be included in our open access conference paper archive, Selected Papers of Internet Research (SPIR). SPIR helps us further publicize the work of our members and introduce our research to a wider audience. All paper and panel submissions must therefore follow our SPIR formatting requirements, which includes a consistent header and style format for the papers that will enable people to easily locate author and title information, and identify the papers as part of the AoIR conference. This format is only intended to bring consistency to basic elements (such as typeface and spacing), not to impose any disciplinary constraints. Please download the Word template here: https://aoir.org/aoir2024/subtemplate/. AoIR 2024 relies on our community for reviewing, and every person who is submitting this year appreciates your assistance as a reviewer. When submitting, please take a moment to also update your reviewing preferences. - - - *Reviewing* Please double check that you have indicated that you have volunteered to review (or change that to a no if you cannot review this year). Based on feedback from previous conferences we have revised our list of reviewer expertise topics. Please update your topics to help us match proposal submissions to reviewer interests, instructions on how to do this are here: https://aoir.org/aoir_reviewer_instructions/ To learn more about how submissions are reviewed, please see here: https://aoir.org/sub_review_info_aoir/. On behalf of AoIR, we thank you for your time, attention, and contribution to the AoIR conference. If you do not have the time to be a reviewer this year, no problem. You can reply to AoIRConfChair @ aoir.org and we will remove your reviewer status from your profile. We look forward to working with you toward a fantastic conference! Please login and update your reviewer expertise topics by Wednesday, 1 March 2024 at the very latest. If you have any questions or any difficulties updating your information, please let us know. Sincerely, Lianrui Jia & Tim Highfield AoIR2024 Program Chairs

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