Gabriella Scaramuzzino
Director of Second Cycle Studies | Senior lecturer | PhD in Social Work
Research
My research focuses on technological development and how the implementation and use of new technology affect professions, organizations, work environment/working conditions, relationships, and services. I have studied social media, Artificial Intelligence, automated decision-making, apps, chat, video meetings, etc. A recurring theme has also been to explore how those who use digital services experience them and what consequences (both intentional and unintentional) the use has for the users.
Currently, I am leading a Forte-funded research project called Remote meeting technologies and the value of time: An ethnographic study of digital home care services which runs from 2024 to 2026. The project studies video visits and how these affect the actual and perceived time in home care, as well as how time is valued by care users, care staff, and first-line managers. The study is based on observations of video visits, interviews and other types of time data. The research project challenges common notions of time efficiency, quality, care, and human encounters.
Previously, I have been interested in how the use of social media affects organization, membership, political influence, and engagement in civil society. Of particular interest has been how algorithms affect collective action. Other studies have focused on hate speech, threats, and harassment and the role social media plays in these processes. I have conducted studies on both civil society leaders/volunteers, social workers, teachers, and journalists. The studies have highlighted how the fear of being subjected to hate speech, threats, and harassment affects the discretion and democratic role of groups and individuals. I have also taken an interest in other types of AI such as Chat GPT and facial recognition programs and how these affects civil society in various ways.
Teaching
Director of Studies for the Master's program, the Master of Science Programme in Healthcare Counselling, the Basic Course in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Basic Psychotherapeutical Course in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Basic Systems-Theoretical and Interactionist Psychotherapy Training in Family Therapy and advanced level courses.