About the Project
The research aim is to assess the nature and drivers of political engagement in the current information environment. The term ‘post-truth’, coined by Serbo-American author Steve Tesich in 1992, describes the emotional turn in US politics where beliefs are prioritised over expert opinion. The term has become widely used in recent years to describe a political culture, characterised by heavy reliance on rhetoric based on dubious, non-evidenced information with political communication and citizen decision making.
Due to the circulation of political messages via social media, more people than ever are exposed to political arguments. However it is increasingly difficult to disaggregate fact from fiction. Moreover today’s information environment is shaped by filter bubbles. Online, pre-existing social networks and platform algorithms, work to sift and curate political information viewed in feeds and inboxes. This means that people are most likely to be exposed to viewpoints they already agree with, due to the shared culture and belief of contacts they have in their network. Therefore, beliefs and prejudices are more likely to be reinforced than challenged; but does this act as a force for mobilisation?
A range of political organisations attempt to exploit the dynamics of this new communication environment. Messages are constructed which link a specific political argument to existing beliefs and prejudices, for example the unrelated factors of homeless veterans and the housing of refugees, using simple heuristics. Exposure can lead to the formation of weak ties between the receiver and the promoting organisation. Weak ties can strengthen over time with repeated exposure and might drive forms of activism.
This political culture is particularly concerning, when viewed in light of existing engagement data. Pew and Eurobarometer surveys consistently demonstrate a majority of citizens have low levels of interest in politics. Those with low interest also demonstrate low levels of knowledge and perform shallow acts of engagement. Many of these people are as likely to like and share content online, demonstrate and vote as those with higher levels of interest and knowledge. However, their lower interest and knowledge theoretically makes them more susceptible to manipulation and to be mobilised by simplistic non-factual arguments as they are less inclined to test the integrity of information. Hence much engagement in political acts may be driven by basic argumentation that aligns to exiting beliefs and prejudices. The project will explore these dynamics.
Specifically, this doctoral project will explore the dynamics of information exposure in today’s post-truth communication environment, evaluating its impact upon political engagement; here defined as a desire to cognitively engage with communication, form attitudes consistent with the message, and propagate that message as well as possibly taking part in further forms of political participation.
How to apply: Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.
Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.
Fully-funded studentship candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic potential with preferably a 1st class honours degree and/or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent Grade Point Average. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Funding Notes
Funded candidates will receive a maintenance grant of £14,000 (unless otherwise specified) per annum, to cover their living expenses and have their fees waived for 36 months. In addition, research costs, including field work and conference attendance, will be met.
Funded Studentships are open to both UK/EU and International students unless otherwise specified.