What Comes After Social Media? A Talk & Book Signing with Joanne McNeil

What Comes After Social Media?

A Talk & Book Signing hosted by the Surrealist Study Group (SSG) with Joanne McNeil

Why are users fleeing corporate social media—and what comes next for social technology?

The program begins with a presentation in which Joanne McNeil, author of LURKING:HOW A PERSON BECAME A USER, tracing the history of social media from the dawn of the World Wide Web to today’s fractured landscape, asking how we arrived at a moment when users are rethinking their online spaces. She will spotlight emerging alternatives to platforms like Facebook and X—communities and technologies thriving outside the control of Silicon Valley investors. We will discuss how people are imagining new spaces online that are smaller, safer, and more human—and when identity and connection aren’t determined by corporations.

Following the presentation, McNeil will be in conversation with artist and librarian dama, opening the floor to audience questions and dialogue. A book signing and informal gathering will conclude the event.

Tickets (sliding scale): $10-$15 ($5 with pre-book purchase)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

About the Author:

is the author of the novel WRONG WAY (2023) and LURKING: How a Person Became a User (2020). She was the inaugural winner of the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation's Arts Writing Award for an emerging writer. She has been a resident at Eyebeam, a Logan Nonfiction Program fellow, recipient of the Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant, and an instructor at the School for Poetic Computation. She has contributed to The Nation, The Guardian, The New York Times, Technology Review, and Dissent magazine. She currently writes a column called Speculations for Filmmaker Magazine.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

The Surrealist Study Group is organized and led by artist and PRS librarian dama, as an open, evolving circle of readers, artists, dreamers, and thinkers convening regularly at the Philosophical Research Society Library to explore the liberatory and transformative currents of Surrealism.

Rooted in the historic PRS archives and guided by a spirit of inquiry, the group delves into the manifestos, artworks, poetry, and personal mythologies that shaped and continue to shape the surrealist movement—from its historical origins to its resonances in contemporary thought and art.

Together, we read aloud, share visions, and discuss the revolutionary power of the unconscious, the image, and the poetic act. More than an academic pursuit, this study welcomes the irrational, the marvelous, and the intimate as legitimate ways of knowing. No prior knowledge of Surrealism is needed—only a willingness to imagine otherwise.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd.  We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking, many thanks.

DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the presenters are solely those of the presenter and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Presentations are intended for informational and entertainment purposes.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States