Whitney Phillips

Whitney Phillips is an Assistant Professor of Information Politics and Ethics at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the Folklore Program and the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). Her interdisciplinary research examines the intersection of US politics, media ethics, and digital culture, focusing on conspiracy theories, moral panics, right-wing media ecosystems, and the ethical implications of information sharing.

• PhD in English with a folklore structured emphasis (digital culture focus), University of Oregon (2012)
• MFA in Creative Writing, Emerson College (2007)
• BA in Philosophy, Humboldt State University (2005)

Her work bridges qualitative methods from literary/cultural theory and folklore with participant observation, rhetorical analysis, and symbolic critique to develop cultural histories of information dynamics. She has published extensively on topics including online trolling, media literacy, and the ecological impact of social media.

Selected publications include her 2025 MIT Press book The Shadow Gospel (on anti-liberal demonology in US politics) and the 2023 MITeen guide Share Better and Stress Less (on social media well-being). Her research has informed ethics consultations for global news outlets and congressional briefings.

Scientific Awards

• Nancy Baym Best Book Award (Association of Internet Researchers) for This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things