​​Seminar Description:

‘The current moral panic over screens, smartphones and social media is a verbatim replica of moral panics over ‘social technology’ since the 15th century. Such panics are a time-wasting distraction, sucking attention and resources away from the real causes of psychological and societal problems. I will present an introduction to my book-in-progress – working title: ‘Palaeodigital’ – in which I use an evolutionary perspective (niche construction theory) to suggest a new way of thinking about human social use of technology. My approach focuses on basic human psychological needs and the social conditions (micro and macro) that facilitate or thwart satisfaction of these needs.’ – Kate Fox

Please email graduate-studies@sociology.ox.ac.uk to be sent a link to join the online seminar via Teams.