Kate FitzGerald
@katemfitzgerald.bsky.social
PhD Candidate & Research Analyst @ Digital Media Research Centre, QUT.
Research information disorder, conspiracy theories, and knowledge production practices.
Read Them Sideways podcast co-host and producer.
(she/her) 🇦🇺 🇮🇪
Research information disorder, conspiracy theories, and knowledge production practices.
Read Them Sideways podcast co-host and producer.
(she/her) 🇦🇺 🇮🇪
A great read 🇮🇪
Most read on #RTEBrainstorm: How the emergence of St Brigid's Day as a public holiday marks a renewed engagement with Indigenous Irish ways of understanding time, land and belonging. By Jennifer Manning @maynoothuniversity.ie www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
How St Brigid's Day and Imbolc mark the beginning of spring
The emergence of St Brigid's Day as a public holiday marks a renewed engagement with Indigenous Irish ways of understanding time, land and belonging
www.rte.ie
February 1, 2026 at 9:17 PM
A great read 🇮🇪
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
This is a MUST-READ affidavit.
This eyewitness to Alex Pretti’s murder — who is too scared to even go home because she doesn’t trust federal agents — directly refutes what the feds are saying happened today:
This eyewitness to Alex Pretti’s murder — who is too scared to even go home because she doesn’t trust federal agents — directly refutes what the feds are saying happened today:
January 25, 2026 at 1:59 AM
This is a MUST-READ affidavit.
This eyewitness to Alex Pretti’s murder — who is too scared to even go home because she doesn’t trust federal agents — directly refutes what the feds are saying happened today:
This eyewitness to Alex Pretti’s murder — who is too scared to even go home because she doesn’t trust federal agents — directly refutes what the feds are saying happened today:
x 100
It’s incredible that Alex Pretti apparently served as an ICU nurse. His death is tragic
But if they’re not employed, not white, not male, have drug offences, have been previously incarcerated, have mental health problems, etc etc… this does not undermine their victimhood & right to life
It’s incredible that Alex Pretti apparently served as an ICU nurse. His death is tragic
But if they’re not employed, not white, not male, have drug offences, have been previously incarcerated, have mental health problems, etc etc… this does not undermine their victimhood & right to life
People already working hard to prove how perfect Alex Pretti was. To show he didn't "deserve" to be killed. But it's a trap folks. You're only feeding into a dynamic where people who are considered lesser get no protection. You don't have to be an Alex Pretti to deserve to live.
January 24, 2026 at 9:52 PM
x 100
It’s incredible that Alex Pretti apparently served as an ICU nurse. His death is tragic
But if they’re not employed, not white, not male, have drug offences, have been previously incarcerated, have mental health problems, etc etc… this does not undermine their victimhood & right to life
It’s incredible that Alex Pretti apparently served as an ICU nurse. His death is tragic
But if they’re not employed, not white, not male, have drug offences, have been previously incarcerated, have mental health problems, etc etc… this does not undermine their victimhood & right to life
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
We’ve placed the available videos of the shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis today into the same synchronised timeline and are continuing to analyse further.
January 24, 2026 at 8:39 PM
We’ve placed the available videos of the shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis today into the same synchronised timeline and are continuing to analyse further.
More active language would be stating what actually happened: a man was executed in the street by a nascent Gestapo.
I don’t care that this post will disqualify me from ever getting a United States visa. I’m appalled and sick with worry about family in the US.
I don’t care that this post will disqualify me from ever getting a United States visa. I’m appalled and sick with worry about family in the US.
years and years of avoiding plain language and the active voice do make the choice to use it more impactful, I suppose
January 24, 2026 at 9:44 PM
More active language would be stating what actually happened: a man was executed in the street by a nascent Gestapo.
I don’t care that this post will disqualify me from ever getting a United States visa. I’m appalled and sick with worry about family in the US.
I don’t care that this post will disqualify me from ever getting a United States visa. I’m appalled and sick with worry about family in the US.
Watching Iga Swiatek and Eva Lys battle it out on the third day of the tennis season; women’s tennis is in such a good place right now 💪
January 5, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Watching Iga Swiatek and Eva Lys battle it out on the third day of the tennis season; women’s tennis is in such a good place right now 💪
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
Of course it f&&king is. Please don't use GenAI for news. Please don't use Grok for anything.
Grok is spreading misinformation about the Bondi Beach shooting www.theverge.com/news/844443/...
Grok is spreading misinformation about the Bondi Beach shooting www.theverge.com/news/844443/...
Grok is spreading misinformation about the Bondi Beach shooting
Grok has repeatedly misidentified video of the Bondi Beach shooting and the hero who disarmed a gunman.
www.theverge.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Of course it f&&king is. Please don't use GenAI for news. Please don't use Grok for anything.
Grok is spreading misinformation about the Bondi Beach shooting www.theverge.com/news/844443/...
Grok is spreading misinformation about the Bondi Beach shooting www.theverge.com/news/844443/...
Quelle surprise! Great to have evidence-based research to demonstrate this bias.
New research on Twitter (right before rebranding to X) shows right leaning accounts got outsized visibility from the algorithm & suggests this bias stemmed from different content production techniques (more sensational, outrage-bait) and from direct interaction w/ the new king of the platform: Musk.
Recently accepted at ICWSM: arxiv.org/abs/2512.06129 (w/ @kayladuskin.bsky.social, @katestarbird.bsky.social, and @emmaspiro.bsky.social)
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
We look at how algorithmic feeds affect Twitter account visibility. More visible accounts:
-Are agitators
-Get attention from Elon Musk
-Are not legacy verified
December 10, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Quelle surprise! Great to have evidence-based research to demonstrate this bias.
Good chat between @phzerosounds.bsky.social and @antmandan.bsky.social today - a quick lightning talk on the pod about the social media ban, the shortcomings, and what we might see in the future.
We have your morning commute listening for Wednesday lined up... 👂🔊
DMRC Director Daniel Angus (@antmandan.bsky.social) spoke with the Read Them Sideways podcast team about the social media ban, the implications, and what to expect in the future.
open.spotify.com/episode/6IES...
DMRC Director Daniel Angus (@antmandan.bsky.social) spoke with the Read Them Sideways podcast team about the social media ban, the implications, and what to expect in the future.
open.spotify.com/episode/6IES...
The social media ban: how we got here and what to expect (#37)
open.spotify.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Good chat between @phzerosounds.bsky.social and @antmandan.bsky.social today - a quick lightning talk on the pod about the social media ban, the shortcomings, and what we might see in the future.
Three presentations over the three days of #AANZCA2025, and I was really proud to share some theoretical work in progress from my PhD thesis. Thank you to my @qutdmrc.bsky.social colleagues for coming along to watch and support!
November 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Three presentations over the three days of #AANZCA2025, and I was really proud to share some theoretical work in progress from my PhD thesis. Thank you to my @qutdmrc.bsky.social colleagues for coming along to watch and support!
Making it into the @snurb.info live blog was the highlight of my week!
But seriously, #AANZCA2025 was fantastic and sincere thanks to the organisers for making it a genuinely hybrid conference that allows for folks with disabilities to attend - I appreciate the opportunity to share my work! 🎉
But seriously, #AANZCA2025 was fantastic and sincere thanks to the organisers for making it a genuinely hybrid conference that allows for folks with disabilities to attend - I appreciate the opportunity to share my work! 🎉
Wheee, a very fast-paced session (mostly) on conspiracy theories to end #AANZCA25, also featuring my @qutdmrc.bsky.social colleague @katemfitzgerald.bsky.social presenting our audit of how GenAI chatbots respond to conspiracy theory-curious questions.
Final liveblog here:
Final liveblog here:
AANZCA 2025 | Snurblog — Axel Bruns
Australia Aotearoa New Zealand Communication Association conference, Sunshine Coast, 26-28 Nov. 2025
snurb.info
November 28, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Making it into the @snurb.info live blog was the highlight of my week!
But seriously, #AANZCA2025 was fantastic and sincere thanks to the organisers for making it a genuinely hybrid conference that allows for folks with disabilities to attend - I appreciate the opportunity to share my work! 🎉
But seriously, #AANZCA2025 was fantastic and sincere thanks to the organisers for making it a genuinely hybrid conference that allows for folks with disabilities to attend - I appreciate the opportunity to share my work! 🎉
A new article by me in @theconversation.com about forthcoming research with fab colleagues @snurb.info, @riedlinm.bsky.social, @phzerosounds.bsky.social, @timothyjgraham.bsky.social, and @antmandan.bsky.social. Looking forward to presenting this at the #AANZCA2025 conference this week! 🎉
PhD researcher Kate FitzGerald has a new article out in The Conversation today looking at generative AI chatbots and conspiracy theories.
AI chatbots are encouraging conspiracy theories – new research
If you interact with chatbots about conspiracy theories, research shows you can can easily fall down the rabbit hole.
theconversation.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:42 AM
A new article by me in @theconversation.com about forthcoming research with fab colleagues @snurb.info, @riedlinm.bsky.social, @phzerosounds.bsky.social, @timothyjgraham.bsky.social, and @antmandan.bsky.social. Looking forward to presenting this at the #AANZCA2025 conference this week! 🎉
Academic hot take: getting stood up for a research interview is significantly worse than getting stood up on a date 😭
November 13, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Academic hot take: getting stood up for a research interview is significantly worse than getting stood up on a date 😭
Excellent new paper from an excellent colleague! Anybody looking at user practices online should engage with this paper and model. Well done @kkasianenko.bsky.social!
Congratulations to research fellow Kateryna Kasianenko (@kkasianenko.bsky.social) on her recent publication in Communication Theory!
"Elements of practices in digital publics: a model for identifying collective doings on social media platforms" can be read here now! academic.oup.com/ct/...
"Elements of practices in digital publics: a model for identifying collective doings on social media platforms" can be read here now! academic.oup.com/ct/...
November 3, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Excellent new paper from an excellent colleague! Anybody looking at user practices online should engage with this paper and model. Well done @kkasianenko.bsky.social!
It's the last day of October and the last day of the One Foot Forward challenge! I met my distance goal, but would love any last minute donations to help further my fundraising goal! Thanks in advance everyone.
Hi all, in October I am participating in the One Foot Forward initiative by the Black Dog Institute, to raise money to support Australians impacted by mental illness.
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
Support my 40km challenge for mental health research!
Together, we can help create better mental health for all.
www.onefootforward.org.au
October 31, 2025 at 6:25 AM
It's the last day of October and the last day of the One Foot Forward challenge! I met my distance goal, but would love any last minute donations to help further my fundraising goal! Thanks in advance everyone.
Hi all, in October I am participating in the One Foot Forward initiative by the Black Dog Institute, to raise money to support Australians impacted by mental illness.
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
Support my 40km challenge for mental health research!
Together, we can help create better mental health for all.
www.onefootforward.org.au
September 29, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Hi all, in October I am participating in the One Foot Forward initiative by the Black Dog Institute, to raise money to support Australians impacted by mental illness.
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/...?
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
Australian media and politicians have taken a huge interest in an overseas figure the vast majority of their constituents would have never heard of prior to September 10, @theshufflediary.bsky.social writes.
Charlie Kirk's martyrdom in the US is to be expected. Here, it's baffling
www.crikey.com.au
September 16, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Australian media and politicians have taken a huge interest in an overseas figure the vast majority of their constituents would have never heard of prior to September 10, @theshufflediary.bsky.social writes.
It was great to listen to @essideh.com discuss his new book, The Discursive-Digital Link this week! 📖 📚 🎉
After a brief hiatus, the Read Them Sideways podcast is back! In this week's episode, Klaus Groebner (@gklaus.bsky.social) interviews Dr Ehsan Dehghan (@essideh.com) about his new book: The Discursive-Digital Link.
Listen to Klaus and Ehsan chat about the new book below!
Listen to Klaus and Ehsan chat about the new book below!
Episode 32: The Discursive-Digital Link with Ehsan Dehghan
Read Them Sideways · Episode
open.spotify.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:45 AM
It was great to listen to @essideh.com discuss his new book, The Discursive-Digital Link this week! 📖 📚 🎉
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
You guys
Laura Loomer, who the president has consulted for decisions on who to fire, is arguing with a chatbot
August 18, 2025 at 10:20 AM
You guys
Some super interesting case studies in this issue - would highly recommend for fandom scholars!
Two of our postdoctoral research associates, @svegaard.bsky.social and @vilkins.bsky.social , have guest edited the latest issue of M/C Journal. They have curated some excellent articles around the theme of fandom and politics.
Read the issue here! journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mc...
Read the issue here! journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mc...
M/C Journal
M/C Journal - a journal of media and culture, founded in 1998.
journal.media-culture.org.au
August 18, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Some super interesting case studies in this issue - would highly recommend for fandom scholars!
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
Apparently a completely peaceful march across Sydney Harbour Bridge today was extremely perilous.
Yet somehow fewer people (i.e. nobody) died today than when NSW Police were asked to assist with a 95-year-old nursing home resident behaving erratically.
Yet somehow fewer people (i.e. nobody) died today than when NSW Police were asked to assist with a 95-year-old nursing home resident behaving erratically.
August 3, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Apparently a completely peaceful march across Sydney Harbour Bridge today was extremely perilous.
Yet somehow fewer people (i.e. nobody) died today than when NSW Police were asked to assist with a 95-year-old nursing home resident behaving erratically.
Yet somehow fewer people (i.e. nobody) died today than when NSW Police were asked to assist with a 95-year-old nursing home resident behaving erratically.
Happy publication week! 🎉
I had the genuine pleasure of chatting with @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social last week about their new book, CONSPIRACY NATION.
Can confirm, it’s an excellent read.
You can hear their thoughts on the link below: open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
I had the genuine pleasure of chatting with @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social last week about their new book, CONSPIRACY NATION.
Can confirm, it’s an excellent read.
You can hear their thoughts on the link below: open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
Episode 31: Conspiracy Nation Book Launch with Ariel Bogle and Cameron Wilson
Read Them Sideways · Episode
open.spotify.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Happy publication week! 🎉
I had the genuine pleasure of chatting with @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social last week about their new book, CONSPIRACY NATION.
Can confirm, it’s an excellent read.
You can hear their thoughts on the link below: open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
I had the genuine pleasure of chatting with @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social last week about their new book, CONSPIRACY NATION.
Can confirm, it’s an excellent read.
You can hear their thoughts on the link below: open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
Reposted by Kate FitzGerald
We were lucky to be joined by @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social on the Read Them Sideways podcast to talk about their new book with host, @katemfitzgerald.bsky.social.
open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
August 1, 2025 at 10:54 AM
We were lucky to be joined by @arielbogle.bsky.social and @cameronwilson.bsky.social on the Read Them Sideways podcast to talk about their new book with host, @katemfitzgerald.bsky.social.
open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
open.spotify.com/episode/00Go...
It was fantastic to collaborate with my colleague @phzerosounds.bsky.social on this piece! The Epstein files drama doesn't seem to be going away, so watch this space for further thoughts...
Trump loyalists have been baying for the release of the Epstein files for years. Now, Trump wants his supporters to forget about them — and MAGA is pissed.
Donald Trump stokes the flames of conspiracy — but the Epstein saga may burn him to the ground
Donald Trump's Justice Department has corroborated the official story of the death of Jeffrey Epstein. MAGA is pissed.
www.crikey.com.au
July 15, 2025 at 2:57 AM
It was fantastic to collaborate with my colleague @phzerosounds.bsky.social on this piece! The Epstein files drama doesn't seem to be going away, so watch this space for further thoughts...