Biography

Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Ph.D., Temple University

Dr. Angela Cirucci (she/her/hers) is a digital media scholar focusing on the symbolic meaning of data infrastructures, the intersection of institutional practice and user knowledge, and user experience. Often focusing on identity, Dr. Cirucci has a passion for studying how digital spaces impact the lives of traditionally underrepresented communities

Angela enjoys spending time with her partner and two children, cooking, golfing, playing tennis, and traveling. So far she has visited 10 US National Parks, 27 states, and 15 countries.

Research Interests

Social media
Digital media
Data infrastructures
Identity
Privacy and anonymity

Courses

CMS 04315 Digital Media Processes
CMS 04317 Social Media Strategies
CMS 04250 Communication Theory

Recent Publications

Cirucci, A. M. (2024). Oversharing the super safe stuff:“Privacy-washing” in Apple iPhone and Google Pixel commercials. First Monday.

Cirucci, A. M. (in press). Zoom affordances and identity: A case study. Social Media + Society.

Cirucci, A. M., & Pruchniewska, U. M. (2022). UX research methods for media and communication studies: An introduction to contemporary qualitative methods. Oxford, UK: Routledge.

Cirucci, A. M., & Vacker, B. (2018). Black Mirror and critical media theory. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Cirucci, A. M. (2018). A new women's work: Digital interactions, gender, and social network sites. International Journal of Communication, 12(23), 2948-2970.

Cirucci, A. M. (2018). Facebook and unintentional celebrification. In C. Abidin and M. Lindsay (Eds.), Microcelebrity around the globe: Approaches to cultures of internet fame. West Yorkshire, UK: Emerald Publishing.

Current Projects

Oversharing the Super Safe Stuff: “Privacy-Washing” in Apple iPhone and Google Pixel Commercials
In this study I analyze two commercials and their advertised stance on data privacy. I argue that the companies use “privacy-washing” by conflating privacy with security and by leading consumers to believe that their personal and social privacy are protected even when Apple’s and Google’s privacy policies do not cover these types of privacy.

Social Media and Feedback Loops
This project explains how digital spaces employ the scientific theory of feedback loops in an attempt to better understand the impact of algorithmic recommendations on people and society.

Perceived Privacy and Reddit
This study explores how Reddit users perceive digital privacy and Reddit’s privacy policies. Specifically, I focus on Redditors that have posted confessions.