Dr Melanie James PhD – Author | Researcher | Communication Specialist

Photo of Dr Melanie James PhD
Dr Melanie James PhD

I’m currently developing the concept of Phantom Social Capital. The argument explores the impact of AI-simulated interaction flooding our human social world with counterfeit human connection. It’s connection that feels smooth and frictionless, but is structurally hollow.

What are the repercussions when AI operates as a substitute for human exchange at scale, displacing the reciprocity, accountability, and trust that hold social life together? Does it matter? Could it be catastrophic? Or even positive in some way?

I’m an independent researcher working at the intersection of positioning theory, social capital, and AI, and the author of Positioning Theory and Strategic Communication (Routledge). More than 25 years across senior communication roles in government, health, finance, and academia inform everything I write and research. I hold a PhD in Media and Communication (Newcastle) and an MA in Journalism (UTS), and my work has earned international and national recognition for innovation and impact.

Follow the argument on my Substack, Phantom Social Capital: Phantom Social Capital on Substack.

Subscribe to my new Substack: Phantom Social Capital

Contact: melanie _ james @ icloud.com
Connect: LinkedIn (opens in new tab)

Employment history and academic qualifications can be found here (opens in new window on LinkedIn).

I live north of Sydney in Newcastle, Australia – a city situated on a beach and a harbour!

Books & Publications

  • Contributing author, The Routledge International Handbook of Positioning Theory (2024)
  • Contributor, The International Encyclopedia of Strategic Communication (Wiley, 2018)—entries on “Emergent Strategy” and “Strategic Readiness”
  • Positioning Theory and Strategic Communications (Routledge, 2014)
  • 40+ peer-reviewed publications across communication, education, health, psychology, and social sciences

Leadership & Recognition

  • Former Head of School, Design, Communication and IT, University of Newcastle
  • edX Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Online Education (project team leader)
  • PR Institute of Australia Educator of the Year
  • Multiple PRIA Golden Target Awards for national strategic communication campaigns
  • Visiting Scholar, United Nations University (Belgium); Visiting Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney

Creative Writing

  • Finalist, University of New Orleans Press Non-Fiction Award
  • Finalist, Australian Vogel Literary Award