A panel discussion on how social media affect and inform users will be held Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Austin Reading Room in Nicholson Library at Linfield College.
“Knowing Your World Through Social Media” will feature Kelli Matthews, instructor of public relations at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication; Rick Thomas, partner at Quinn Thomas Public Affairs; Megan Kozak Williams, associate professor of psychology at Linfield; and Jerry Casey, manager of breaking news and photo/video at Oregonian Media Group.
The panel will discuss how social media may shape users’ knowledge, worldview and even relationships. These media can make us feel like we know a lot about other people, events and issues. But how much do we really know? How accurate is information spread through social media? Who is trying to persuade us using social media? And what does it mean to be a “friend” or “follower” online? The event will explore these questions in a wide-ranging discussion with four experts who represent politics, journalism, public relations and psychology.
Matthews has more than a decade of public relations experience, mostly as the director of a full-service public relations, marketing and design agency. She has been directly responsible for high-level communication, strategic planning, budget management and leadership for a wide variety of clients, many of which are nonprofits and community organizations.
Thomas is a frequent speaker on public affairs, the legislative process and the media. Throughout his 20 years in the field, Thomas has a track record of helping organizations increase awareness of complex issues and expand their visibility in the marketplace. His work has been recognized nationally by the American Association of Political Consultants, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Independent Electrical Contractors.
Williams has been at Linfield since 2013. Her academic interests include the study of empathy development and erosion in physicians, the psychological underpinnings of dehumanization and psychological consequences of using social networking sites.
Casey is an experienced digital storyteller who has been a leader in online innovation in journalism. His work focuses on bringing Oregonian Media Group content to growing audiences through a variety of digital platforms. He has assisted in the transition of a traditional regional newspaper company to a digitally focused news organization.
The event is free and open to the public, and sponsored by PLACE, the Program for Liberal Arts and Civic Engagement. For more information, contact Susan Currie Sivek, assistant professor of mass communication at 503-883-2521, ssivek@linfield.edu.
