Digital Society Reading Group
An interdisciplinary research cluster that brings together scholars in sociology, anthropology, STS, HCI, and digital humanities to engage critically with the challenges of the digital age.
It provides a space to debate pressing issues in the social sciences, including AI, algorithms, social media, cyborgs, and the transformations of digital society.
Format
The group meets each term in Weeks 3, 5, and 7 to discuss a key text. Once a term, the author of a selected reading is invited to join in person to present their work, respond to questions, and engage directly with participants.
Convenor and Contact
Dr Xin Zhan (xz434@cam.ac.uk)
Joe Beadle (jjlb2@cam.ac.uk)
Lent 2026 Upcoming Meetings
Friday, 13 February, 12:15-13:30 | Mond Seminar Room
Reading: Yogarajah, Yathukulan. “‘Hodling’ on: Memetic storytelling and digital folklore within a cryptocurrency world.” Economy and Society 51.3 (2022): 467–488.
Friday, 27 February, 12:15-13:30 | Sociology Board Room
Reading: Singler, Beth. “‘Blessed by the algorithm’: Theistic conceptions of artificial intelligence in online discourse.” AI & Society 35.4 (2020): 945–955.
Friday, 13 March, 12:15-13:30 | Mond Seminar Room
Reading: Coleman, E. Gabriella. "From busting cults to breeding cults: Anonymous h/acktivism vs. the (a) nonymous far right and QAnon." HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory 13.2 (2023): 248-263.