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Tampere University
reeta.poyhtari [at] tuni.fi (reeta[dot]poyhtari[at]tuni[dot]fi)
phone number+358504739394

About me

I work as senior research fellow at Tampere University Research Centre for Communication Sciences, Taru (previously research centre COMET). My research concerns challenges of public discourse and journalism in the digital media environment. I am especially interested in questions of freedom of expression, hate speech and online harassment, plurality and dialogue, and human rights/prevention of violence in public discourse.

Responsibilities

Research projects

I currently work in several research projects.

  • Everyday Affective Practices Online: Producing, Experiencing and Managing Hate Speech in the Digital Era (HAFFECT), 2021-25, TAU & JYU, Academy of Finland 
  • The democratic epistemic capacities in the age of algorithms (DECA), 2022-2025, TAU, HY, UIF, Aalto & Nuorisotutkimusseura, Academy of Finland/STN Shield
  • Journalistien häirintä ja sen vaikutukset - Harassment of journalists and its effects, 2022-2024, TAU, Jokes Foundation

I am also affiliated with the following projects:

 

Fields of expertise

  • Public discourse in digital media environment
  • Freedom of expression and communication rights
  • Hate speech, online hate and harassment
  • Self-regulation and policies in journalism and on digital platforms
  • Migration in the media
  • Safety of journalists
  • Ethics and practices of journalism

Top achievements

Previously in 2018-21 I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at University of Jyväskylä (JYU). In 2006-2014 and 2016-2018, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher and doctoral researcher at COMET, University of Tampere (UTA). In 2014-2016, I worked as a research fellow and expert at the Freedom of Expression Section at UNESCO, Paris. I have been an expert member of national ministry-lead working groups concerning hate speech and possible solutions.

My previous projects:

 

Main positions of trust

I am a board member of the board of The Finnish Foundation for Media and Development, Vikes since 2017. I was the vice-president of the board in 2020-2022 and the president in 2023.

Selected publications

Please see for recent publications and research activities:
https://researchportal.tuni.fi/en/persons/reeta-p%C3%B6yht%C3%A4ri