Whitney Phillips

Whitney Phillips stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of communication and rhetorical studies, her academic and professional journey marked by a profound engagement with the intersections of media, folklore, and digital culture. An Assistant Professor at Syracuse University, Phillips has devoted her career to unraveling the complexities of online discourse, media literacy, and digital ethics. Her educational foundation is robust, boasting a Ph.D. in English from the University of Oregon with a focus on digital culture, an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College, and a B.A. in philosophy from Humboldt State University. Phillips' previous academic appointments include roles at New York University, Humboldt State University, and Mercer University, where she honed her expertise in media, culture, and communication. Her seminal work, "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Mapping the Relationship Between Online Trolling and Mainstream Culture," has garnered critical acclaim, earning the prestigious Nancy Baym Best Book Award from the Association of Internet Researchers in 2015. This book delves into the intricate dynamics between online trolling and mainstream culture, offering a nuanced exploration of antagonism and identity-based harassment in digital spaces. Phillips' scholarly pursuits extend to a three-part ethnographic report, "The Oxygen of Amplification," which provides invaluable insights into the ethics of reporting on extremism and manipulation online. Her contributions to the discourse on digital culture are further reflected in her extensive array of articles and book chapters, which address topics ranging from "fake news" narratives to the interplay of social media and political events. Phillips' writing is characterized by its incisive analysis and a keen understanding of the ethical implications inherent in digital communications. Through her work, she has emerged as a leading voice in the exploration of vernacular expression, state and corporate influences, and the ethical considerations of journalism and social media usage. Her contributions to the field have not only shaped academic discussions but have also informed public discourse, with her insights frequently sought by national and global news outlets. As an active member of the Association of Internet Researchers and the American Folklore Society, Phillips continues to push the boundaries of how we understand and interact with the digital world.