On 11th April 2025, the inaugural Cybernetic Culture Workshop: Consumption, Security and Society in the Digital Age convened over 40 participants from academia, government, and industry. Hosted at Lancaster University by the Centre for Consumption Insights (CCI) and funded by RISCS, the workshop focused on the concept of ‘cybernetic culture’: a culture increasingly piloted by forces beyond direct human agency (technologies, markets, algorithms). The aim was to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing issues in digital society and to encourage methodological exchange between researchers working at the intersections of digitalisation, political economy, and consumption.
Attendees represented a diverse cross-section of institutions including the Ministry of Defence, cybersecurity firms, digital consultancies, and academic institutions (including Cardiff University, University of Leicester, University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Northampton, Bournemouth University, and Lancaster University). The presence of an Emmy-nominated filmmaker added a creative dimension to the event. Several RISCS members and associates presented their work and took part in the day’s discussions, highlighting the institute’s continued commitment to advancing theoretically informed, socially grounded cyber security research.
Discussions converged on important critical themes, including consumer well-being, privacy, addiction, digital sovereignty, commercial surveillance, misinformation, radicalisation, the influence of AI on power structures, and the dynamics of online subcultures. The workshop also generated important commentary on how algorithmic systems and digital infrastructures shape consumer subjectivities and cultural practices, and how we might better approach and assess their influence.
The workshop prioritised early career development, featuring presentations from doctoral and early career researchers (ECRs), who brought fresh perspectives to discussions of digital security’s cultural, ethical, and economic implications. Networking sessions enabled ECRs to build connections with established scholars, and two ‘Best Competitive Paper’ prizes were awarded to doctoral researchers.
Professor Simon Winlow, a leading critical criminologist, delivered the keynote address and participated in a panel discussion. His insights provided a powerful framework for discussion and critique.
Feedback from attendees underscored the value of the workshop as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, and suggested that they particularly valued the high-quality insights, open dialogue, and opportunities for collaboration it provided. Several new research ideas and funding bid proposals emerged from the discussions.
A key output is the forthcoming publication of selected papers in a dedicated volume of Workshop Proceedings (ISBN: 978-1-86220-432-4), with a digital edition shared with participants alongside photographs from the day. Plans are already underway for a follow-up workshop in 2026.
The event was convened by Dr Sophie James and Professor James Cronin, who extend their thanks to all speakers, attendees, and especially RISCS for its support. The workshop affirmed the importance of interdisciplinary engagement in addressing how consumption, security, and society co-evolve in an increasingly cybernetic world.
Dr Sophie James
Lecturer in Security and Protection Science, Lancaster University
RISCS Associate Fellow