pathway: Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods

New technologies provide huge benefits for the economy and society. However, they also

have the potential to cause damage. My PhD project will focus on quantum computing, a new form of computing that has the potential to revolutionise the way in which computers can process information. It is hoped quantum computers will allow us to tackle complex problems that would be impossible to solve using our current form of computing.

Quantum computing is at an early stage of development, but many national governments are centring their science and economic polices around the technology. Despite the interest and emphasis on the quantum computing there has been limited discussion on how best to communicate the topic, and how the technology and its potential applications will impact our societies.

My project will explore attitudes towards quantum computing and create best practice guidance for policy makers, researchers, and journalists seeking to discuss this new technology.

My research explores the impact of Virtual Influencers (VIs) on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, focusing on how they commodify gender and race representations for profit. By examining VIs in comparison to real-life influencers, I aim to understand how their content influences audience perceptions of social movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter. Using a qualitative methods approach, including digital ethnography, focus groups and critical discourse analysis, I investigate both the construction of VI identities and audience engagement. Ultimately, my goal is to provide guidelines for safeguarding diversity and inclusion in the emerging metaverse.