Zainab Alam
@zainabalam.bsky.social
Asst. Prof., Dept. of Political Science, Howard University
Research on digital rights, illiberal nationalism and political culture in South Asia
Research on digital rights, illiberal nationalism and political culture in South Asia
Reposted by Zainab Alam
meta is making $7bn a year from advertising by scammers, so the opportunities are just going to grow www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulent ads, documents show
Meta projected 10% of its 2024 revenue would come from ads for scams and banned goods, and it internally estimates that its platforms show users 15 billion scam ads a day, company documents show.
www.reuters.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
meta is making $7bn a year from advertising by scammers, so the opportunities are just going to grow www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
📣 Out on #FirstView 📣
In "Longitudinal Measures of Masculinity and Femininity", @dancassino.bsky.social analyzes the stability of two self-placement measures of gender, as well as how change in self-report could be structured by political views.
Available #OpenAccess
buff.ly/pxpkKvs
In "Longitudinal Measures of Masculinity and Femininity", @dancassino.bsky.social analyzes the stability of two self-placement measures of gender, as well as how change in self-report could be structured by political views.
Available #OpenAccess
buff.ly/pxpkKvs
December 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
📣 Out on #FirstView 📣
In "Longitudinal Measures of Masculinity and Femininity", @dancassino.bsky.social analyzes the stability of two self-placement measures of gender, as well as how change in self-report could be structured by political views.
Available #OpenAccess
buff.ly/pxpkKvs
In "Longitudinal Measures of Masculinity and Femininity", @dancassino.bsky.social analyzes the stability of two self-placement measures of gender, as well as how change in self-report could be structured by political views.
Available #OpenAccess
buff.ly/pxpkKvs
Reposted by Zainab Alam
NEW DATA: Where the teens are
YouTube 92%
TikTok 68%
Instagram 63%
Snapchat 55%
Facebook 31% (down from 71%)
WhatsApp 24%
Reddit 17%
X 16% (down from 33%)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/12/09/teens-social-media-and-ai-chatbots-2025/
YouTube 92%
TikTok 68%
Instagram 63%
Snapchat 55%
Facebook 31% (down from 71%)
WhatsApp 24%
Reddit 17%
X 16% (down from 33%)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/12/09/teens-social-media-and-ai-chatbots-2025/
December 9, 2025 at 9:51 PM
NEW DATA: Where the teens are
YouTube 92%
TikTok 68%
Instagram 63%
Snapchat 55%
Facebook 31% (down from 71%)
WhatsApp 24%
Reddit 17%
X 16% (down from 33%)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/12/09/teens-social-media-and-ai-chatbots-2025/
YouTube 92%
TikTok 68%
Instagram 63%
Snapchat 55%
Facebook 31% (down from 71%)
WhatsApp 24%
Reddit 17%
X 16% (down from 33%)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/12/09/teens-social-media-and-ai-chatbots-2025/
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Propaganda does not rely entirely on unassailable evidence and impeccable logic to discipline its targets. Neither can the response, writes Calum Matheson, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh.
Scholars Must Recognize the Role of Affect and Emotion in Disinformation | TechPolicy.Press
The tactics of digital emotional manipulation are many and varied, but many of the most prominent exploit frustration and rage, writes Calum Matheson.
www.techpolicy.press
November 11, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Propaganda does not rely entirely on unassailable evidence and impeccable logic to discipline its targets. Neither can the response, writes Calum Matheson, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Pittsburgh.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
There are 1,200 data centers in the South, and $200 billion worth are on the horizon. Black community members said they are fighting a new wave of “extraction.” capitalbnews.org/data-centers...
From Mississippi to Maryland, Black Communities Are Taking On Big Tech
There are 1,200 data centers in the South, and $200 billion worth are on the horizon. Black community members said they are fighting a new wave of “extraction.”
capitalbnews.org
October 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
There are 1,200 data centers in the South, and $200 billion worth are on the horizon. Black community members said they are fighting a new wave of “extraction.” capitalbnews.org/data-centers...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Breaking! Exclusive! I have proof from Zohran Mamdani’s own campaign that he has several times used the term “my brother” to address someone not his actual brother. More at 11.
October 28, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Breaking! Exclusive! I have proof from Zohran Mamdani’s own campaign that he has several times used the term “my brother” to address someone not his actual brother. More at 11.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Our student Mahnoor Omer is featured in @aljazeera.com for her work against period poverty in Pakistan!
➡️ Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/amp/features...
➡️ Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/amp/features...
October 27, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Our student Mahnoor Omer is featured in @aljazeera.com for her work against period poverty in Pakistan!
➡️ Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/amp/features...
➡️ Read more here: www.aljazeera.com/amp/features...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
The full report brightlinewatch.org/violence-red...
October 1, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The full report brightlinewatch.org/violence-red...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
🚨 New article out! 🚨
How societal-level women’s empowerment 📣✊ shapes the gender gap in protest, boycott & petition signing 🗳️
👉 journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
How societal-level women’s empowerment 📣✊ shapes the gender gap in protest, boycott & petition signing 🗳️
👉 journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
From empowerment to participation: How women’s political empowerment shapes non-institutionalized political participation and reduces gender disparities - Cyrill Otteni, 2025
This study examines how women’s political empowerment influences the gender gap in non-institutionalized political participation (protest, boycott and petition ...
journals.sagepub.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
🚨 New article out! 🚨
How societal-level women’s empowerment 📣✊ shapes the gender gap in protest, boycott & petition signing 🗳️
👉 journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
How societal-level women’s empowerment 📣✊ shapes the gender gap in protest, boycott & petition signing 🗳️
👉 journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
"More professors in the United States have been fired for controversial views in the past week than any other week in all of American history."
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/colu...
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/colu...
Censorship Is the Authoritarian’s Dream
The right to free expression must include the right to say horrible and evil things.
www.insidehighered.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:24 AM
"More professors in the United States have been fired for controversial views in the past week than any other week in all of American history."
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/colu...
www.insidehighered.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Platform to allow people to securely pass on information anywhere in the world, or offer their own services to MI6.
UK’s spy agency launches dark web portal, says ‘door open’ to foreign spies
Platform to allow people to securely pass on information anywhere in the world, or offer their own services to MI6.
bit.ly
September 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Platform to allow people to securely pass on information anywhere in the world, or offer their own services to MI6.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Platforms that loosened moderation in the Trump era are now under scrutiny over online reaction to activist’s killing.
US right shifts tone on social media censorship after Charlie Kirk’s murder
Platforms that loosened moderation in the Trump era are now under scrutiny over online reaction to activist’s killing.
bit.ly
September 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Platforms that loosened moderation in the Trump era are now under scrutiny over online reaction to activist’s killing.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
The situation in Nepal is incredible. The government tried to ban social media last week which led to violent protests and the prime minister ousted.
Gen Z protesters then met in a 100K strong Discord chat where they elected ex-chief justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister.
Gen Z protesters then met in a 100K strong Discord chat where they elected ex-chief justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister.
Nepal’s Social Media Ban Backfires as Politics Moves to a Chat Room
www.nytimes.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The situation in Nepal is incredible. The government tried to ban social media last week which led to violent protests and the prime minister ousted.
Gen Z protesters then met in a 100K strong Discord chat where they elected ex-chief justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister.
Gen Z protesters then met in a 100K strong Discord chat where they elected ex-chief justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
U.S. Park Police officers are pursuing vehicles when D.C. police would not.
They have initiated at least 10 car chases in the past three weeks as part of President Trump’s surge in federal law enforcement in D.C., court records show.
They have initiated at least 10 car chases in the past three weeks as part of President Trump’s surge in federal law enforcement in D.C., court records show.
Ten car chases. Six crashes. Park Police have new rules in Trump’s D.C.
U.S. Park Police have initiated at least 10 car chases in the past three weeks as part of President Donald Trump’s D.C. surge, court records show.
wapo.st
August 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM
U.S. Park Police officers are pursuing vehicles when D.C. police would not.
They have initiated at least 10 car chases in the past three weeks as part of President Trump’s surge in federal law enforcement in D.C., court records show.
They have initiated at least 10 car chases in the past three weeks as part of President Trump’s surge in federal law enforcement in D.C., court records show.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Solar power (including storage) is booming in Pakistan www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Pakistan is tapping into solar power at an 'unprecedented' rate. Here's why
Solar experts say there's never been a faster adoption of solar, with panels popping up on rooftops.
www.npr.org
August 25, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Solar power (including storage) is booming in Pakistan www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
Yet another example of why tech companies can’t be trusted as primary sources of disaster warnings.
“Ten million people within 98 miles of the epicentre could have been sent Google's highest level alert - giving up to 35 seconds of warning to find safety. Instead, only 469 "Take Action" warnings were sent out for the first 7.8 magnitude quake.” www.bbc.com/news/article...
Google admits it failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake
The tech giant said only 469 serious warnings were sent out ahead of the 7.8 magnitude quake.
www.bbc.com
July 28, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Yet another example of why tech companies can’t be trusted as primary sources of disaster warnings.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
A personal update.
Why I am leaving big tech…
After spending almost two decades in big tech, I was notified last month that I am being laid off.There have been massive waves of layoffs across the industry recently, and I am just one of the many t...
bhaskar-mitra.github.io
July 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A personal update.
Reposted by Zainab Alam
How can democracy be illiberal?🤔
"In the phrase 'liberal democracy'... the word liberal is meant to evoke not a particular economic ideology but the broader notion of a regime that is dedicated to human freedom."
www.journalofdemocra...
"In the phrase 'liberal democracy'... the word liberal is meant to evoke not a particular economic ideology but the broader notion of a regime that is dedicated to human freedom."
www.journalofdemocra...
Democracy Without Liberalism? | Journal of Democracy
We have long assumed democracy and liberalism went hand in hand. But in truth there have always been tensions between them, and the rise of illiberal democracy cannot be ignored.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
July 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
How can democracy be illiberal?🤔
"In the phrase 'liberal democracy'... the word liberal is meant to evoke not a particular economic ideology but the broader notion of a regime that is dedicated to human freedom."
www.journalofdemocra...
"In the phrase 'liberal democracy'... the word liberal is meant to evoke not a particular economic ideology but the broader notion of a regime that is dedicated to human freedom."
www.journalofdemocra...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
In a study of professors, women got 378 new work requests over 4 weeks vs 118 for men. Women spent more time on service, advising & teaching; men on research. Orgs should track who is taking extra duties & ensure they are rewarded and distributed fairly. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Being Too Helpful At Work Can Hurt Your Career—Here’s How To Say No
Women are more likely to take on behind-the-scenes duties at work—extra tasks like onboarding or event planning—and it's hurting their careers. Here's how to say no.
www.forbes.com
July 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
In a study of professors, women got 378 new work requests over 4 weeks vs 118 for men. Women spent more time on service, advising & teaching; men on research. Orgs should track who is taking extra duties & ensure they are rewarded and distributed fairly. www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
My article just out in @jodemocracy.bsky.social:
India's New Minority Politics
I question the optimism about India's democracy after the 2024 election by providing a perspective on Muslim inclusion and what it means for India's liberal democracy.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/ind...
India's New Minority Politics
I question the optimism about India's democracy after the 2024 election by providing a perspective on Muslim inclusion and what it means for India's liberal democracy.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/ind...
April 2, 2025 at 8:13 PM
My article just out in @jodemocracy.bsky.social:
India's New Minority Politics
I question the optimism about India's democracy after the 2024 election by providing a perspective on Muslim inclusion and what it means for India's liberal democracy.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/ind...
India's New Minority Politics
I question the optimism about India's democracy after the 2024 election by providing a perspective on Muslim inclusion and what it means for India's liberal democracy.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/ind...
Reposted by Zainab Alam
JOB:
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (3-year post) @Cambridge_Uni
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50694/
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (3-year post) @Cambridge_Uni
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50694/
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (Temporary Cover) - Job Opportunities - University of Cambridge
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (Temporary Cover) in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge.
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
April 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
JOB:
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (3-year post) @Cambridge_Uni
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50694/
Assistant Professor in South Asian Political/ Intellectual History (3-year post) @Cambridge_Uni
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50694/
Did Imran Khan appeal to traditionalists while undermining gender equality and human rights? My latest article explores his strongman politics and nationalist rhetoric during 'Naya Pakistan.' Read more: Anti-Western hypermasculinity and Imran Khan’s Pakistan www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Anti-Western hypermasculinity and Imran Khan’s Pakistan
This article analyzes how Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan between 2018 and 2022, mobilized anti-Western hypermasculinity to appeal to his followers, using strongman-style politics to ass...
www.tandfonline.com
April 1, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Did Imran Khan appeal to traditionalists while undermining gender equality and human rights? My latest article explores his strongman politics and nationalist rhetoric during 'Naya Pakistan.' Read more: Anti-Western hypermasculinity and Imran Khan’s Pakistan www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Zainab Alam
📣 Out on #FirstView 📣
In "Pop Culture and the Evolving Politics of the Right", @min0p0ly.bsky.social & Micah English demonstrate how interpretive analysis of pop culture and media allow for a deeper understanding of gender and race in right-wing politics.
buff.ly/dRSbrU1
gendersky polisky
In "Pop Culture and the Evolving Politics of the Right", @min0p0ly.bsky.social & Micah English demonstrate how interpretive analysis of pop culture and media allow for a deeper understanding of gender and race in right-wing politics.
buff.ly/dRSbrU1
gendersky polisky
March 26, 2025 at 2:37 PM
📣 Out on #FirstView 📣
In "Pop Culture and the Evolving Politics of the Right", @min0p0ly.bsky.social & Micah English demonstrate how interpretive analysis of pop culture and media allow for a deeper understanding of gender and race in right-wing politics.
buff.ly/dRSbrU1
gendersky polisky
In "Pop Culture and the Evolving Politics of the Right", @min0p0ly.bsky.social & Micah English demonstrate how interpretive analysis of pop culture and media allow for a deeper understanding of gender and race in right-wing politics.
buff.ly/dRSbrU1
gendersky polisky
Reposted by Zainab Alam
In Memoriam
Mala Htun (1969-2025)
Mala Htun made a major impact on the study of women, gender, and politics as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and advocate. To honor her contributions, we have ungated access to her articles until the end of February 2025.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Mala Htun (1969-2025)
Mala Htun made a major impact on the study of women, gender, and politics as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and advocate. To honor her contributions, we have ungated access to her articles until the end of February 2025.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
In Memoriam
Welcome to Cambridge Core
www.cambridge.org
January 30, 2025 at 1:17 PM
In Memoriam
Mala Htun (1969-2025)
Mala Htun made a major impact on the study of women, gender, and politics as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and advocate. To honor her contributions, we have ungated access to her articles until the end of February 2025.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Mala Htun (1969-2025)
Mala Htun made a major impact on the study of women, gender, and politics as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and advocate. To honor her contributions, we have ungated access to her articles until the end of February 2025.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...