In this roundtable, leading social media experts will discuss the effects of social media and modern communication technology on democracy and American society.  Dr. Rebekah Tromble (Northeastern) studies political communication and technology, with interests in political discourse on social media.  Dr. Kathleen Searles (South Carolina) studies how communication technologies and social media reshape democratic information systems by changing how people encounter and process information.  Dr. Ryan Milner (College of Charleston) studies internet culture, from memes and group chats, and how it quietly shapes political meaning. Expect a candid conversation about algorithmic influence, political polarization, online harassment, and what a healthier information environment would take.

Free and open to the public.

This Political Science Convocation event is co‑sponsored by the Civility Initiative, the departments of communication and political science, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.