Social Media Research

As you pick up your smartphone YET AGAIN to check Twitter, TikTok or Instagram, you might have thought: why is social media addictive? In this article I’ll explore some of the reasons why social media…

What is astroturfing? Astroturfing is not new. Its history stretches back to the days of newspapers and physical pamphlets. But astroturfing has become a major important concern in today’s ‘post-truth’ information environment. The Guardian defines…

This post is based on a panel talk I gave for TEDx MidAtlantic, entitled ‘The Threat of Tribalism’, on October 13, 2020. Video version below, also featuring Jennifer Kavanagh of RAND Corporation. Why did the…

In this post, I’ll discuss the all-too-common problem of internet trolling and explain some troll tactics. I’ll also look at the important links between online trolling, disinformation and cyber warfare campaigns.  What is internet trolling?…