Theory Sessions
Upcoming:
Doctoral candidate Chris Austin on:
'Mental Health in the Social Media Era:
Diminishing Happiness, Performative Digital Identities, and What’s Next'
Friday, November 29 @ 3:30p.m.
Stevenson Hall Rm. 3165
Abstract: This presentation will overview Chris's doctoral thesis proposal as he pivots from his field study to finalizing the first chapter of his dissertation; this project takes an interdisciplinary approach to the well-established impact of social media addiction on mental health and aims to provide solutions to this dilemma by way of affect theory and the American philosophy of pragmatism. Both fields illuminate social media’s culpability in relation to the mental health crises that have become ubiquitous in the twenty-first century. The question that social media's rise to hegemony begs is whether or not it is novel in its negative impacts on well-being, or if it is only a symptom of a larger cultural shift under capitalism that was already trending towards worsening unhappiness. My thinking is that it is a combination of both: an acceleration of pre-existing capitalistic values that have made people trend towards unhappiness, but also novel in its generation of toxic “digital affect”: what I define as how people feel while interacting with social media—and the subsequent need for pragmatic intervention for so many users.
Bio: Chris Austin is a doctoral candidate in the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism who has several years of experience teaching across Fanshawe and Conestoga college while also working in financial services. He is passionate about music and travelling—especially when he is lucky enough to sail the Bruce Peninsula with his parents and family.
Contact theorysessions@groups.uwo.ca for info.
Theory Sessions are a student-run tradition at the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism. It promotes interdisciplinary research across the campus, providing students and faculty with the opportunity to present their work and engage in lively discussions. We welcome all topics and enjoy presenting an eclectic range of scholarship. We have held sessions from scholars in a wide range of disciplines such as computer science, medical science, philosophy, English literature, women’s studies, sociology, political science, visual arts, art history, psychology, history, and more.
The presentations are 20 minutes long. Following the presentation, at least one designated respondent will initiate a discussion with the presenter. Anyone attending the session is welcome to join this discussion period. These will typically last 20-30 minutes.
Theory Sessions facilitates an academically rigorous environment to present cohesive and cogent thoughts on subjects that our speakers are genuinely passionate about. Our sessions aim to bring forward meaningful and productive discussions, and provide a rich opportunity to develop papers for publication, prepare for conferences, and develop performance art or presentation skills. We encourage you to have fun and experiment in our community of curious and caring thinkers.
Who can do Theory Sessions?
Students and faculty in the Theory Centre are given priority for sessions, however, we encourage scholars from other departments to send us your work. We will make every effort to accommodate as many sessions as possible.
If you are interested in presenting, please send an email with an abstract of approximately 200 words, and a brief 100 word bio to theorysessions@groups.uwo.ca. Your abstract and bio will be used to announce your session to the university community.
