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.