Mel Stanfill

Biography

Media studies scholar Mel Stanfill researches how individuals interact with various media forms, ranging from television to social platforms. Their work explores the intersections of technology, identity, law and economics in shaping cultural access and interpretation. Stanfill’s book, Fandom Is Ugly: Networked Harassment in Participatory Culture (New York University Press, 2024), examines the intertwining of politics and fan communities. Their prior work, Rock This Way: Cultural Constructions of Musical Legitimacy (University of Michigan Press, 2023), explores the ethical and legal dimensions of music reuse. Stanfill also analyzes online harassment dynamics, including in communities like comic fans and fan fiction writers. Their research extends to the governance of social media platforms and user responses. Stanfill frequently provides expert commentary to outlets such as Wired UK, Teen Vogue and the Daily Dot.