Naomi is a digital sociologist working across a variety of areas. Her research focuses on how web-based technologies are part of our social world and are intertwined with our lived experience. Her current research projects examine intersection of health and wellness practices and new technologies, including social media. She has also published on the ways in which online communities mediate our experience of the body. She is also interested in the ways in which physical spaces are co-produced with digital technologies.
Naomi has published widely and has co-edited journal special issues (Conspiracy, M/C) and is co-editing a forthcoming edited collection Researching Contemporary Wellness Cultures (Emerald). She has been featured at an expert commentator on anti-vaccination sentiment and other conspiracy theories in a range of national and international publications.
Naomi’s research interests can be slotted into the following categories:
- Space, place and governance
- Social media and embodied practices; including wellness cultures
- Misinformation and conspiracy cultures
Naomi received her PhD in Sociology from the University of Queensland in 2015. Her researched examined the role of Facebook in adult’s friendship practices.
Professional Memberships
- The Australian Sociological Association
- Association of Internet Researchers
Research areas
- digital sociology
- wellness
- sociology of the body
- misinformation
- conspiracy
- affect
- technology
Teaching areas
- Sociology
Naomi Smith's specialist areas of knowledge include misinformation, conspiracy, social media, wellness
In the news
Where’s Kate? Speculation about the ‘missing’ princess proves Palace’s media playbook needs a re-write
13 MarUniSC's Dr Naomi Smith and Dr Amy Clarke explore the latest royal rumours abut Princess Kate and why the Palace's media handbook needs a re-write
The power and pleasure – and occasional backlash – of celebrity conspiracy theories
22 FebSocial media acts as a platform and amplifier of fan-led conspiracy theorising, UniSC's Dr Naomi Smith co-writes for The Conversation