Aggression on social media (Communication and Information) VILNIUS TECH

Overview

Research topic description:

This research topic addresses the impact of contemporary digital technologies on participatory culture by investigating aggressive communicative practices on social media. Enabled largely by Web 2.0, these practices reflect and contribute to ongoing intercultural and intracultural social change. Social media platforms (ranging from discussion forums to networking sites such as YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram, and similar spaces) play a central role in online interaction, with aggression and entertainment among its core functions. 

The topic invites a multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary investigation of selected aggressive practices on social media, potentially geared towards entertainment. While no specific methodology or analytical framework is imposed a priori, the proposed research is meant to be grounded in close investigation of public user discourse. The studies may examine various shades of aggression, ranging from genuine to mock (pretended) forms. Specific practices may include (but are not limited to) humour, trolling, scambaiting, flaming, or cyberbullying.

Overall, the research is meant explore how these rapidly evolving practices are deployed and interpreted across social media communities and affinity spaces, how they contribute to the construction or erosion of social relationships, how they participate in negotiating norms of appropriateness and acceptability, and how they shape and reflect the collective sense of normalcy of digitally networked societies.

The selected candidate will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. dr hab. Marta Dynel. The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships in the other universities. 

Requirements:

• Required background:  Master degree in social sciences or humanities

• Expected skills and knowledge: Excellent command of spoken and written English 

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The position may not be opened if no qualified candidate is found. Additional information regarding the post may be obtained from Prof. dr. hab. Marta Dynel, e-mail: marta.dynel@yahoo.com