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Media studies research group

The media studies research group brings together researchers who explore the social importance of media in many ways, on a macro and micro level. For example, the ways in which data and digitization affect society (AI, ADM, platformization) and shape power relations (surveillance, digital colonialism, inequality) and at the everyday level of digital intimacy and affective experience. Media research is not comprised of strictly defined targets, but rather various questions related to the constantly reshaping relations between media and society, affecting the construction and meanings of mobility, participation, shared community, labor and production, equality, sustainability, experientiality and emotions.

Many of our research projects examine the multiple meanings of social media platforms and new media technologies in society and the data-driven practices of media and cultural production in domestic and international contexts.

The projects consider, among other things, materiality, datafication, artificial intelligence, algorithms, public value, media work, hate speech, activism and emotions. Research methods range from ethnographic approaches to diverse qualitative media analysis; from action research to big data and computational methods.

The research seminar of the group meets once a month.

Leader: professor Kaarina Nikunen
Vice-leader: University lecturer Anne Soronen

The group is part of the Taru Research Centre.