Dr. Johan Farkas and Dr. Marcus Maloney discuss how the language used to describe digital media frames our understanding and the actions of policymakers. We break down how terms like "toxic", "trolls", and "filter bubbles" are often used uncritically and limit how we understand the relationships between digital media and social problems like misogyny, racism, and harassment.

Here's a link to the book discussed in the episode:

Digital Media Metaphors: A Critical Introduction (2024)

The 9th Annual Social Media and Politics Year in Review!

This year, we cover the platforms’ year in review reports, election interference in Romania, the battle over text and the "eXodus", and social media bans for teenagers.

Here are links to resources discussed in the episode, and see you in 2025!

Platform Reports:
Meta
TikTok
Snap
Pinterest
Twitch
Google
Pornhub

Ryan Davis, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at People First, guests for a debrief on content creators in the 2024 US election. We discuss content creator strategies between the two parties, how influencers have become professionalized, and what this means for communications and elections going forward.

Advertising, authenticity, and power flows are constantly in flux in this environment, and the very conceptions of old and new media are being challenged. A space to watch!

Check out People First's Substack to keep in the loop, and Ryan's Travel Podcast just for fun :)