Brady Robards

Current Role & Academic Leadership

Associate Professor Brady Robards is a sociologist and researcher in the School of Social Sciences at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He leads major research initiatives on digital culture, social media, and youth identity.

Research Focus & Expertise

Digital & Youth Sociology: Specializes in how young people, LGBTQ+ communities, and marginalized groups construct identity, navigate privacy, and express themselves on digital platforms.

Social Media & Memory: Researches the digital footprints people leave behind on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, focusing on how algorithmically driven "memories" and archived content shape self-identity and digital traces over time.

Queer & Gender Studies: Investigates digital safety, platform governance, and online community building for LGBTQ+ youth.

Key Research Projects & Publications

Books & Co-authored Works: Author/co-author of key books in digital sociology, including Mediated Boyhoods and Digital Methods for Social Science.

Peer-Reviewed Journals: Frequently published in high-impact journals including Information, Communication & Society, New Media & Society, Journal of Youth Studies, and Sexualities.

Public Engagement & Media

Frequently provides expert commentary for Australian and international media outlets (including the ABC, SBS, and The Conversation) on social media algorithms, online safety, digital privacy, and youth culture.