Identity in the age of social media: algorithms, influencers and attention

How has social media reshaped modern identity? From the way we discover new information and form communities to how we present, curate and influence online, our digital lives are constantly evolving. Join our expert panel to explore whether we truly control our digital selves - or if algorithms, data and the attention economy are shaping us more than we realise.

Rosalind Gill is Professor of Inequalities in Media, Culture and Creative Industries at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her work focuses on questions of power, inequality and the relationship between culture and subjectivity. She is author of numerous books and articles including Mediated Intimacy: Sex Advice in Media Culture, Confidence Culture and Perfect: Feeling Judged on Social Media.

Yasmin Ibrahim is Deputy Dean for the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University London and is a distinguished scholar and thought leader. Internationally recognised for her pioneering work in digital sociology, Professor Ibrahim examines how digital technologies reshape contemporary societies - especially in terms of race, trauma, political engagement, and the reconfiguration of the self in digital spaces. Her research draws from sociology, social psychology, and technology studies, interrogating the power dynamics embedded in data-driven capitalism and algorithmic governance.

Free event, donations welcome, booking required.

As tickets are free, people sometimes book and don't attend, so we have to issue more tickets than there are seats available to allow for this. Entry into this event is on a first-come, first-served basis, and we recommend arriving in good time to avoid any disappointment.

Registering for a ticket does not guarantee you entrance to the SHAPE Room. If the SHAPE Room reaches capacity, you will be directed to the Wohl Gallery next door to watch a live stream of the event.

This event will also be recorded and live-streamed on YouTube.

This event has live subtitles delivered by 121 Captions.

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The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, United Kingdom

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