Ben Lyall

My research interests span many facets of digital media and how it embeds in daily life. As a digital sociologist, I ask critical questions of our digital media practices, as well as the corporate and institutional interests these intersect with. I also take these concerns into my teaching. From 2025, I am teaching digital communication courses where I focus on giving undergraduates critical and practical tools to communicate in unstable digital environments.

Prior to my appointment at RMIT worked mostly at Monash University (2017-2024), where I also completed my PhD (Sociology) in 2020. My undergraduate and honours studies (2012-2015) were undertaken at the University of Tasmania.

My 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, I have worked with young people and government departments to untangle practices (some digital) of engaging with public services, and have expanded this into a wider interest in youth civic engagement. I have also examined how digital technologies and automation have impacted the construction industry, and explored digital communities related to digital health (reddit groups, e-pharmacy).

I will be available as an Associate Supervisor for higher degree by research projects in second-half of 2025.