📖 Overview
Tarleton Gillespie is a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research and an Affiliated Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Department of Information Science at Cornell University. His research focuses on the social implications of digital technologies, online platforms, and content moderation.
Gillespie is best known for his influential work on content moderation and platform governance, particularly through his 2018 book "Custodians of the Internet: Platforms, Content Moderation, and the Hidden Decisions That Shape Social Media." This work examines how social media platforms make decisions about what content to allow or remove, and how these choices impact public discourse.
His earlier book "Wired Shut: Copyright and the Shape of Digital Culture" (2007) explored digital rights management and the intersection of technical systems with cultural practices. Gillespie has also contributed significantly to academic discussions about the role of algorithms in society and the development of platform studies as a field.
Gillespie's research has helped establish key theoretical frameworks for understanding how digital platforms function as curators of public discourse. His work continues to influence scholarly and public debates about platform responsibility, digital governance, and the future of online communication.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight Gillespie's clear explanations of complex platform governance and content moderation concepts. Many appreciate his insider perspective and detailed research in "Custodians of the Internet."
What readers liked:
- Thorough documentation of platform moderation practices
- Clear writing style that makes technical concepts accessible
- Real-world examples that illustrate theoretical points
- Balance between academic rigor and readability
What readers disliked:
- Some found "Wired Shut" too focused on legal/technical details
- Academic tone can be dense for general readers
- Limited discussion of solutions or alternatives in moderation practices
Ratings:
- Goodreads: "Custodians of the Internet" - 4.1/5 (102 ratings)
- Amazon: "Custodians of the Internet" - 4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Notable reader comment: "Gillespie provides the clearest framework I've seen for understanding how platforms shape our online experience through content moderation decisions" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Tarleton Gillespie
Custodians of the Internet: Platforms, Content Moderation, and the Hidden Decisions That Shape Social Media (2018)
An examination of how social media companies make decisions about content moderation and the implications for public discourse.
Digital Keywords: A Vocabulary of Information Society and Culture (2016) A collection of essays exploring how digital technology has transformed the meaning of common terms in modern society.
Wired Shut: Copyright and the Shape of Digital Culture (2007) An analysis of digital rights management technologies and their impact on creativity, innovation, and cultural expression.
The Politics of 'Platforms' (2010) A scholarly article published in New Media & Society that examines how the term "platform" is used strategically by social media companies.
The Relevance of Algorithms (2014) A book chapter discussing how algorithms shape public knowledge and the importance of understanding their role in digital media.
Digital Keywords: A Vocabulary of Information Society and Culture (2016) A collection of essays exploring how digital technology has transformed the meaning of common terms in modern society.
Wired Shut: Copyright and the Shape of Digital Culture (2007) An analysis of digital rights management technologies and their impact on creativity, innovation, and cultural expression.
The Politics of 'Platforms' (2010) A scholarly article published in New Media & Society that examines how the term "platform" is used strategically by social media companies.
The Relevance of Algorithms (2014) A book chapter discussing how algorithms shape public knowledge and the importance of understanding their role in digital media.
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Sarah T. Roberts investigates commercial content moderation and digital labor. She documents the working conditions and experiences of people who screen social media content.
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