We know that toxic content attracts attention online. But how does an ordinary YouTube channel focused on music turn into a cesspool of toxicity and extreme political opinions? How does a Canadian trans woman with no ties to the U.S. become an outspoken Trump supporter? And why are so many people drawn to polarizing and extreme content in the first place?
- Date
- Tuesday 21 Apr 2026, 19:30 - 21:00
- Type
- Lecture
- Spoken Language
- English
- Location
Erasmus Paviljoen Theater
During From Music To Maga, we will watch the documentary The TV Show by prof. dr. Greg Elmer. The film follows Canadian and trans YouTuber Rachel in the days surrounding the 2024 U.S. election. In doing so, the film captures the transformation of an ordinary YouTube channel into something more radical and explosive blurring politics, entertainment, performance, and reality.
After the film we will dive into a discussion on the role identity, radicalization, and toxicity on social media, and how it keeps shaping our current political climate. With:
- Greg Elmer, Professor of Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University and the documentary maker behind The TV Show.
- Delia Dumitrica, Associate Professor in Political Communication at Erasmus School of History, Culture, and Communication.
- Mattheo Rinaldi, Phd-researcher focusing on toxic entertainment at Erasmus School of History, Culture, and Communication.
- More information
Date: Tuesday 21 April
Time: 19:30 – 21:00 hrs
Location: Erasmus PaviljoenTicket information
Entrance: Free, reservations highly recommended
Organised by Studium Generale
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