DISCUSSION

Is social media the new political leader?

Wednesday 15 June 2016, 6-7.30pm
The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH

Chaired by Stephen Khan, editor, The Conversation UK

What role has social media played in recent political developments and events? What ability does it have to shape and inform public opinion? Are traditional outlets for news and current affairs losing sway?

What are the pros and cons of social media as a source of news and as a political force? Is it a democratic form empowering the masses or is it open to commercialisation, privatisation and control? What are dangers of using social media to exercise freedom of speech?

Can social media activism really lead to political change/a political movement? Is social media becoming a political force bigger and beyond its users? Do we, and should we, want it to?

Speakers:
Jamie Bartlett, Director, Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, Demos
Professor Angela Philips, Professor, Media and Communications, Goldsmiths
Barbara Speed, Technology and digital culture writer, New Statesman
Professor Damian Tambini, Associate Professor, Director of the Media Policy Project, LSE

Is Social Media The New Political Leader

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