Keynote Speaker at the International Conference on “Data Science & Social Research”

It has been an immense honor to return to Italy as one of the Keynote speakers at the prestigious 4th International Conference on “Data Science & Social Research” in Naples (25-27 March, 2024), hosted by one of the oldest public universities in the world.

In my presentation titled “Bridging Theory to Practice: The Operationalization of Digital Capital” I delved into the academic journey of introducing a groundbreaking concept into the theoretical toolkit of social research and its subsequent operationalization, validation, and testing.

We explored the translation of the concept of “Digital Capital” from theory to practical application. Our primary focus has been on defining Digital Capital and devising methodologies for its measurement. These inquiries have guided our research journey as we conceptualized the idea, developed frameworks, constructed measurement scales, validated our concepts, and applied our findings in real-world contexts.

Drawing upon Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, we have gained a nuanced understanding of how digital capital shapes social inequalities. This lens enables us to analyze the distribution of resources, power dynamics, and interaction patterns within the digital sphere.

Digital Capital represents a distinct form of capital that is amenable to empirical measurement. The focus of this presentation was on the mapping and creation of a scale for measuring Digital Capital, with a discussion on the introduction of this new theoretical concept and the methodological challenges inherent in its operationalization.

Currently, we are in the process of redefining how we measure this novel concept, particularly as we apply it to diverse cultural and economic contexts. The discussion at the conference was invaluable, as we received several insightful feedback from colleagues across different backgrounds. This feedback will greatly assist us in the process of refining the measurement of Digital Capital.

Looking forward to continuing this important work and sharing our progress with the academic community!

The Palgrave Handbook of Everyday Digital Life

“The Palgrave Handbook of Everyday Digital Life” (2024) This handbook I’ve had the privilege of co-editing with Maria Laura Ruiu, Hopeton Dunn, and Laura Robinson is a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating intersection between digital technology and our everyday experiences.

In today’s world, digital technologies like the internet, mobile telephony, artificial intelligence, the metaverse, social media platforms, and algorithms have become integral parts of our lives. They have brought about significant transitions in human civilization, impacting various aspects of society, governance, and personal livelihoods. “The Palgrave Handbook of Everyday Digital Life” dives deep into these transitions, exploring the myriad ways in which people navigate and experience digital life.

“The digital” is more than just technology; it represents a new way of life. It has reshaped commerce, governance, and society, offering unparalleled flexibility and productivity. Digital living involves creating new experiences and value in our daily lives through neural networks and evolving data applications. Our handbook delves into this dynamic landscape, where artificial intelligence, the internet, social media platforms, and smartphones converge to shape our interactions and behaviors.

Here’s a glimpse into the structure of the handbook:

Pages: 1 2

Granted the Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) for Full Professor in Sociology of Culture and Communication

I have successfully achieved the Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) for the position of Full Professor in Sociology of Culture and Communication!

The National Scientific Qualification (ASN) is a meticulous and non-comparative evaluation procedure overseen directly by the Ministry of University and Research. The process is facilitated through the national committees, each dedicated to a specific competitive sector.
The ASN procedure is characterized by a thorough assessment of candidates, encompassing their scientific, cultural, and professional merits. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that those who receive the qualification have demonstrated excellence in various facets of academia. The committees responsible for this significant evaluation are composed of five Full Professors in the same discipline.

The ASN serves as the essential qualification required for participation in competitive processes at individual universities, specifically for securing the prestigious position of Professor.

Digital Environmental Poverty

Here is a sneak peek (along with the word cloud) of our forthcoming book project, titled “Digital Environmental Poverty” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024). This has been a collaborative effort with Maria Laura Ruiu, who is the principal author of this book. In a world shaped by the rapid acceleration of digital technologies, especially intensified by the global pandemic, our forthcoming book dives deep into the profound transformations occurring in contemporary society. These shifts extend beyond the realms of technology; they’ve had a profound impact on societal structures and dynamics. We recognize the urgency for scholars and policymakers to explore the multifaceted consequences of this digital evolution, particularly concerning social inequalities and the evolving nature of poverty in the digital age.

Our book takes a holistic approach to understanding the complex phenomenon of digital poverty. We firmly believe that poverty cannot be exclusively defined by economic limitations. Instead, it’s crucial to consider the intersection of digital, socio-economic, and environmental factors. The book begins by deconstructing the conventional concept of poverty and explores how technology access plays a pivotal role in today’s society. We discuss the importance of “digital capital” and emphasize its role in shaping social structures and opportunities in the digital era. Moreover, we delve into how the quality of the natural environment significantly influences poverty levels.

At the heart of our book also there is the intricate interplay between social, digital, and environmental poverty. We argue that marginalized communities often lack the means and opportunities to shape policies that affect their lives, which can hinder sustainable development. By adopting a nuanced approach to framing digital poverty, we consider exposure to environmental degradation, the capacity to use digital technologies sustainably, and the broader social context.

We recognize the critical role of algorithms and artificial intelligence in perpetuating digital poverty and the need for effective governance and policy-making. The book has revisited the Digital Poverty Framework developed by the Digital Poverty Alliance, with the significant addition of the environmental component. We explore how environmental transformation is connected to digital transformation, and we discuss the potential for long-term sustainability in the face of ecological degradation.

The book concludes with case studies and policy recommendations, aiming to inform strategies that promote inclusive digital recovery while safeguarding the environment.

New Media New Society?

Şentürk, M., Ragnedda, M., and Muschert, G., New Media New Society? Istanbul University Press

This open-access edited book is a collection of nine chapters which include topics and issues like toy activism, WhatsApp groups, online dating sites, migrants and social media, activism and social media, artificial intelligence and/in journalism, virtual ethnography, subculture practices in social media and new audiences in new media like binge-watchers. All these topics represent different forms of multimedia cultures, and mostly the emphasis is on the daily practices occurred in social media.
This edited book shows us how the convergence phenomenon occurs nowadays. Toyification of society as an expressive media for communication and cooperative play, not just for children and teenagers but also for adults, as part of produsage and affectionate activism. We used to think of the convergence factor in medium, platforms, etc. However, this book reminds us that as new media cultures expand, we should also consider the convergence of different segments of society. In that sense, it also focuses on mediums (like smartphones) and activities and agents. As McLuhan highlights, we encounter these items like mobile phones in every part of everyday life, which turn out to be an extended part of our bodies. Besides, we produce relationships and communities via these items and applications on it, and day by day, these items and applications have become a trend in almost every culture and society. This ‘we’ composition may also differ, like university students, women, elderly people, etc. However, with users and applications as an ecosystem, it may sometimes (re) produce unequal relationships, especially on gender-based activities and representations.

Visiting Professor at the Digital Economy Lab, University of Warsaw

During a week-long visit (October 2023) to the Digital Economy Lab at the University of Warsaw in Poland, Maria Laura Ruiu and I had the invaluable opportunity to engage with scholars and researchers affiliated with this interdisciplinary group. The experience was enriching and intellectually stimulating, allowing for in-depth discussions about our ongoing research on Digital Capital, encompassing both theoretical frameworks and empirical explorations. Specifically, we presented and delved into our research concerning the third level of the digital divide and the intricate interplay between social and digital inequalities. We delved into a critical investigation of the self-reinforcing dynamics inherent in both digital and social exclusion. Our inquiry led us to define a concept we termed “The Inequality Loop.” This loop encapsulates the interconnected and mutually reinforcing relationship between digital and social exclusion, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that is often difficult to break.

Moreover, we introduced and deliberated upon the concept of Digital Environmental Habitus, shedding light on our empirical research endeavors aimed at comprehending this aspect. We propose a conceptualization of the Digital-Environmental Habitus, which integrates the structural underpinnings (existing background) and the metabolized heightened integration of digital technologies into individuals’ daily routines, interacting with their environmental attitudes. Additionally, we presented the empirical findings from our research conducted in England, which highlighted how factors such as parental education levels, gender, age, and income influence the degree of awareness regarding environmentally conscious usage of digital technologies. This investigation revealed a stratified nature of the digital-environmental habitus among parents in England, determined by a fusion of pre-existing socioeconomic characteristics and an individual’s ability and willingness to adapt to the pronounced surge in digital technology use (attributed to pandemic-induced social distancing) and the concurrent environmental degradation.

The past week has been both stimulating and demanding, filled with engaging public lectures, insightful discussions with colleagues, and thorough reviews of ongoing research projects. Our time at the Digital Economy Lab (DeLab) has been immensely rewarding, offering us the opportunity to connect with esteemed scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines focused on the evolution of the digital economy, societal shifts, and globalization. The collaboration extends across faculties, notably involving the Faculty of Economic Sciences, the Faculty of Sociology, and the Faculty of Law and Administration, further enriching our collective academic endeavors.

Visiting Professor at Lanzhou University (China)

It has been an absolute pleasure to spend the past week at Lanzhou University in China, engaging in enriching discussions with colleagues and the brilliant Master’s and PhD students. Our conversations revolved around pressing topics such as digital inequalities in the Global South, Digital Capital, and the digital divide. The week was intense, filled with full-class teaching and numerous meetings, but the effort was entirely worthwhile. The high level of interaction and enthusiasm displayed by the students left us invigorated. Moreover, Maria Laura Ruiu and I are thrilled about the prospects of initiating new collaborative research projects with our esteemed colleagues.

Lanzhou University provided a professional and friendly environment that greatly facilitated our discussions and interactions. We are genuinely excited about the possibility of future collaborations and partnerships with this institution. This visit has left us with a deep appreciation for the talent and dedication of Lanzhou University’s academic community, and we look forward to forging lasting connections and making meaningful contributions together.

Thank you, Lanzhou University, for a fantastic week. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to work together to address critical issues in the realm of digital inequalities.

Here are a few key takeaways from my presentation at the ICA Media Sociology Conference

Here are a few key takeaways from my presentation at the ICA Media Sociology Conference, held at Metropolitan University in Toronto on May 31, 2023:

The presentation focused on Digital Poverty in England, examining new vulnerabilities related to this issue. The research was based on an online survey of 2000 parents aged 20-55 with school-going children, utilizing the Determinants of Digital Poverty and Inequality Framework developed by the Digital Poverty Alliance.

Intersectionality and the Digital Divide: DP was explored not only as an issue of economic poverty but also as intersecting with various forms of inequality, including socio-economic, educational, racial, linguistic, gender, and health inequalities. The concept of DP was situated within the three levels of the digital divide: access, skills, and benefits.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated existing inequalities and emphasized the significance of digital access and skills, particularly in the context of remote education. The research aimed to identify new potential groups at risk of experiencing DP as a result of the pandemic.

Individual Agency and Structural Conditions: The presentation highlighted the role of individual agency in engaging with digital technologies and acknowledged the interplay between structural conditions and individual actions. The research question examined how the interaction between individual determinants (capability and motivation) and circumstantial determinants (conditions of action) influenced DP among English families in the post-pandemic era.

Geographical Variations: The study conducted factor analyses, multiple regression analysis, and post-tests to explore the relationship between individual and circumstantial determinants of DP. While living conditions did not significantly differentiate between individual determinants, differences emerged between families in London and those in other geographical areas of England.

Contributions and Policy Implications: The main contribution of the presentation was to deepen understanding of DP in the context of England and emphasize its multidimensional nature. By considering both structural constraints and individual agency, the study provided insights into the factors influencing DP and identified potentially vulnerable groups. These findings can inform policies and interventions aimed at addressing digital inequalities and reducing DP among English families.

Overall, the presentation shed light on the complex nature of DP, its intersectionality with other forms of inequality, and the significance of individual agency and structural conditions in understanding and addressing this issue.

Takeaway from my presentation at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

On the 15th of May 2023, I had the privilege of participating in an outstanding workshop at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, alongside colleagues from Brazil and Spain, to discuss the crucial topic of Digital Sustainability. I am honored to be a member of the research group, “Red Transamazónica de Cooperación en Información y Conocimiento para el Desarrollo Sostenible.”

During my talk, I emphasized the pressing need to update our theoretical and policy frameworks in order to address poverty and promote digital sustainability. Digital sustainability refers to the utilization of digital technologies to foster environmental, social, and economic sustainability, thereby contributing to a sustainable future for all.

One key aspect that requires further exploration is the individual contributions to the digital economy and their environmental impact through the use of digital technologies. It is essential to investigate these aspects in relation to the concepts of both digital poverty and environmental poverty. By reframing the concept of digital poverty, we can better align it with the new dynamics and forces that shape it.

I underscored the importance for scholars and researchers to actively support policy-making efforts that enhance the digital well-being of citizens. This involves improving their digital lives and health, reducing pressure on healthcare and environmental systems, while simultaneously bolstering the economy, fostering business growth, and prioritizing environmental protection.

With Maria Laura Ruiu (Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the Northumbria University) I am currently in the process of finalizing a book titled “Digital Environment Poverty,” which will be published by Palgrave, and it delves further into these vital aspects.

Visiting Professor at the Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg

It was a big honour and pleasure to be invited to the Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg to teach at the Master in Digital Communication Leadership. This Master is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) which approaches the vast and recent field of digital communication from an interdisciplinary and international point of view, bringing together advanced academic discussion with practical knowledge and skills.

It is developed in three innovative tracks, organised by four European universities in Austria, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. The students have the opportunity to study in two different universities (depending on the chosen track) and spend a research stay at one of the Academic Partners, or an internship at one of the Internship Partners.

It was a very intense but satisfying 2 full on days of teaching, interacting, knowledge-sharing with exceptional students from all over the world.