Conference

How have digital media transformed the way people connect and reshaped the way they interact with one another? If any, what are the wider implications of this transformation? In today’s world, where people are surrounded by social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter), the way people relate to these platforms has also been transformed. However, to what extent is the nature of human social interaction authentic (Turkle, 2011)? While the increasing growth of digital technologies might imply that people are ever connected, it makes people feel more isolated, distant and without-self, as people increasingly use screens to engage with the world.

The cultural practices surrounding digital media are as diverse as the technologies themselves. From the rise of influencers to the democratization of content creation on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, digital media has opened up new avenues for cultural expression and participation. Yet, it also raises concerns about the commercialization of culture, the role of algorithms in shaping cultural tastes, and the consolidation of power in the hands of a few digital giants.

Digital media has had far-reaching effects on politics, governance, and economics. The conference will explore how digital platforms have enabled new forms of political participation, such as online activism, while also examining the darker aspects of digital surveillance, algorithmic control, and the spread of misinformation.

Digital platforms have been instrumental in movements such as the Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo, enabling marginalized voices to be heard on a global scale. However, digital media is also implicated in the spread of hate speech, radicalization, and the erosion of democratic values. The conference will explore both the positive and negative dimensions of the impact of digital media on social change, as well as the ethical challenges that arise in the process.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve with the rise of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse, this conference will offer a space for inquiry into the future of digital media. What are the potential consequences of these emerging technologies for society, and how can we navigate the challenges they present in a way that promotes inclusivity, equity, and justice?