Dr Michael James Walsh

Michael Walsh is Associate Dean Education and Associate Professor in Social Science in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law at the University of Canberra. He received his PhD in Sociology from Monash University. His research explores the social dimensions of technology, media, and culture, with a particular focus on digital platforms, music streaming, misinformation, and online identity. His work is grounded in microsociology and cultural analysis, and has been published in journals such as New Media & Society, Information, Communication & Society, and Convergence. He is the author of Streaming Sounds: Musical Listening in the Digital Age (Routledge, 2024).

Research areas:

• Digital media and cultural sociology
• Music streaming and sound studies
• Online identity and social interaction
• Health misinformation and media incivility
• Erving Goffman studies

Research for society

Michael’s research aligns with the faculty’s mission of working with governments and for society by addressing the social impacts of emerging technologies and digital platforms. His work on misinformation, emotional labour, and online interaction contributes to public understanding and policy development in areas such as health communication, digital interactions, and civic sentiment. Through media appearances and public commentary, he translates research insights into accessible knowledge that informs both government and community responses to contemporary challenges.

Engagement and service

Michael serves on the editorial board of Symbolic Interaction and has reviewed for many international journals. He has held leadership roles, including Program Director for the Master of Public Policy and Bachelor of Social and Economic Policy, and is a long-standing member of the University of Canberra’s Human Research Ethics Committee. His contributions to education and engagement have been recognised with awards such as the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Citizenship and the Planning Institute Australia’s ACT region award for research and teaching.

Supervision opportunities

Michael is currently accepting HDR and honours students in the following areas:

• Digital media and society
• The cultural and social dimensions of streaming technologies
• Online identity and social interaction
• Health communication and misinformation
• Sociological theory

Teaching expertise

Dr Walsh has teaching expertise in sociology, cultural analysis, research methods, and policy. He teaches in the following units:

• Cultural Sociology
• Investigating and Explaining Society
• Introductory Sociology
• Professional Evidence