Samuel Woolley

Dr. Samuel Woolley stands as a pioneering figure in the examination of disinformation and the digital landscape. An American scholar and author, his academic journey began with a PhD from the University of Washington, propelling him into a career that deftly combines research, writing, and public speaking. Woolley has significantly impacted the discourse surrounding political manipulation through technology, notably coining the terms “computational propaganda” and “political bot.” His work has illuminated the intricate ways in which digital tools can shape public perception, a topic he explores with vigor and precision. Among Woolley's influential works is "The Reality Game: How the Next Wave of Technology Will Break the Truth," released in January 2020 by PublicAffairs/Hachette. This book delves into the unsettling potential of emerging technologies to distort reality, earning Woolley a reputation for his incisive analysis of contemporary media landscapes. His previous collaboration, "Computational Propaganda," published by Oxford University Press in 2018, offers a comprehensive exploration of how digital platforms are leveraged during pivotal events like elections and crises. Co-authored with Dr. Philip N. Howard, this text presents a global array of case studies that underscore the pervasive nature of digital deception. In addition to his published works, Woolley is celebrated for his articulate and engaging writing style, often contributing to esteemed publications such as Wired, the Guardian, and TechCrunch. His analytical prowess extends beyond academia into policy and public discourse, where his insights have been sought by institutions ranging from the US Senate to the UK Parliament. As a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communication, he continues to shape the next generation of thinkers, cementing his status as a leading voice in the analysis of modern technology's societal impacts.