Ben Lyall

(he/him)

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Ben is a digital sociologist currently working as Lecturer, Digital Communication at RMIT University in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. He is interested in the social lives of technologies, and has a background in self-tracking practices and wearable devices. His current projects probe the intersections of digital platforms, health and wellbeing, e-government, and public services. As a digital sociologist, he asks critical questions of our everyday digital media practices, as well as the corporate and institutional interests these intersect with.

His background is in self-tracking technologies (Fitbits and similar devices): the history and use of which were the focus of my PhD (awarded 2020, Monash University). Since then, he has worked with young people and government departments to untangle practices (some digital) of engaging with public services, and with issues of misinformation. He has also researched how digital technologies and automation have impacted the construction industry, and explored digital communities related to digital health (including sub-reddits and e-pharmacy sites).

Experience

  • 2024–present
    Research associate, School of Social Sciences (Monash University)
  • 2023–2024
    Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism (Monash University)
  • 2017–2020
    Research associate, Health and Biofutures (Monash University)
  • 2015–2018
    Research assistant; teaching associate, School of Social Sciences (University of Tasmania)

Education

  • 2020 
    Monash University, PhD (Sociology)
  • 2016 
    University of Tasmania, BA (Hons)

Professional Memberships

  • The Australian Sociological Association
  • Association of Internet Researchers

Contact Ben for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision