Josh Lauer

Josh Lauer is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of New Hampshire, focusing on intersections between technology, surveillance, and consumer culture. His research spans historical and contemporary topics, including credit systems, media theory, and privacy rights.

• B.A. in History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Pennsylvania
• M.L.I.S. from the University of Pittsburgh

His work explores surveillance, privacy, and media history, analyzing how financial and technological systems shape societal norms. Recent publications examine telephony, transactional data, and racial exclusion in technology.

Josh has authored and co-authored studies on credit reporting, surveillance capitalism, and historical consumer finance. His 2021 Creditworthy book investigates the origins of consumer surveillance, while 2024 articles address telephone technology and racial bias in media.

• Fellowship at Library of Congress (2021-2022)

Lauer teaches courses on media theory, surveillance, and advertising, with a focus on historical contexts and modern implications. His work bridges communication studies, economic history, and technological ethics.