My name is Liam, and for what feels like the last decade, I’ve been interested in the ways in which new communication platforms have changed the way we conduct politics. In particular, how social media has changed the communication between citizens and those who seek to represent them. This research has also led me to analyse how the internet has made political communication more aggressive, and in some instances, abusive.

I am also interested in research that looks into everyday political communication within online communities such as Twitter, Reddit or Discord. And the use of social media by state institutions, such as The Houses of Parliament, in the promotion of their work to citizens. If you asked me to summarise my research area into five key research areas, I’d probably go with (but not limited to) Political Communication; Social Media; MPs & Parliament; Social News; & Representation.

I have often (and enjoyed) provided comment on issues relating to social media and politics, and content moderation to journalists working for the New Statesman, New Scientist, BBC Radio, CBC News, and others.

I’m more than welcome to field questions from journalists on issues relating to my research. So please email me to get in touch.