International conference explores youth, new media and social change
A major international conference at The University of Northampton next month will gather leading academics from around the world to discuss the use of new media by young audiences and the implication this has on identity construction, public opinion and on social change.
Youth, New Media & Social Change, organised by the School of Social Sciences, will address themes such as bloggers as ‘citizen journalists’, e-campaigning and political/social groups, new media and female empowerment amongst ethnic minorities, youth subcultures and new media, how activists and youth are interacting with social networking platforms and challenges of the Internet in war zones.
Confirmed speakers so far include academics from Hofstra University, New York; Mansoura University & MTI, Egypt; Gulf University for Sciences and Technology, Kuwait; Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi; Charles University, Prague; Catholic University of Leuven, Brussels; Erasmus University, Rotterdam; Compultense University of Madrid; College of Management, Tel Aviv; Modern Sciences and Arts University, Egypt; Sharjah University, UAE; London School of Economics; University of Oxford; City University, London; University of Bolton; Coventry University; University of Hertfordshire; The University of York; ICES, Regents College, London and The University of Northampton.
Dr Noureddine Miladi, conference organiser and Senior Lecturer in Media & Sociology, The University of Northampton, explains more about what delegates can expect from the conference:
“Although their development is a relatively recent phenomenon, new media have not only opened up new opportunities for journalism but also empowered audiences and civil society organisations with unprecedented platforms for ‘free’ expression and social activism around the world.
“This is the first major international conference to address youth and new media from an academic research perspective and to work towards an understanding of what these users have found in these technologies to power their work sustainably.”
The conference is open to all with an interest in this subject area and takes place from 9:30am – 5:30pm on Saturday 8 May at Cottesbrooke Lecture Theatre 101, The University of Northampton’s Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL.
Conference fees are priced at £35 and £10 for concessions and students. To register or for further information, please contact Karin Ferngren on +44(0)1604 892067, email: karin.ferngren@northampton.ac.uk
More information, including registration forms, can be accessed from the conference website: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/socialsciences/sshome/media-homepage/newmediaconference
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For further press information please contact:
Claire Bicknell Press & PR Officer The University of Northampton 01604 893037 claire.bicknell@northampton.ac.uk