Protest

[ noun proh-test; verb pruh-test, proh-test ]

1. A public expression of objection, disapproval or dissent towards an idea or action.

2. The subject of this episode...

Since the dawn of governing structures, protests have served as the method by which masses enact policy and action. How can the dynamics of protests and mass gathering be characterized? Recent research shows that Twitter posts, associated geo-location information, and other social media data can be used to study size, mobilization, and stimulants of these public displays. Today's episode features Dr. Zachary C. Steinert-Threlkeld, an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Political Science in the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. He joins us to discuss his research in past and present protest dynamics, in which he takes advantage of big data to understand individual-level behavior at a daily level-- and what these individuals can reveal when acting in large collectives.