This piece introduces a special section on digital platforms and agency. It unpacks the tension between, on the one hand, the imposition of digital platforms upon cultures by immensely-powerful technology companies, and on the other hand, the emergence of possibilities as people work, play, and express themselves on platforms. Cultural studies, which has always concerned itself with structure, culture, and agency, is well-positioned to work through this tension in order to orient scholars of platform studies toward radical critique and political action. The introduction situates the invited works of “Digital Platforms and Agency” in this context, elaborates upon cultural studies’ charge toward the emerging field of platform studies, and summarizes the individual and collective contributions of the special section authors.
Articles by Reed Van Schenck
Reed Van Schenck is Assistant Professor of Communication & Media at IE University in Spain and co-chair of the New Media and Digital Cultures working group of the Cultural Studies Association. Their research investigates reactionary cultures, publics, and infrastructures on the Internet. Their work is featured in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies, International Journal of Communication, and a forthcoming monograph published by Bristol University Press, among others. Reed can be reached at rvanschenck at faculty dot ie dot edu.
AI Literacy and the Changing Digital Political Landscape
Delores Phillips and Cultural Studies Association’s New Media and Digital Cultures Working Group Co-Host Reed Van Schenck discuss AI literacy, digital politics, and the 2024 US presidential election with authors Elizabeth Losh (William and Mary) and Rita Raley (UC Santa Barbara). This podcast is accompanied by a scholarly commentary by Stefania Milan.