Arts & Culture
7 July, 2026
Author talk to focus on ‘angertainment’
A few weeks ago the term ‘angertainment’ would have left us all reaching for a dictionary.
A few weeks ago the term ‘angertainment’ would have left us all reaching for a dictionary.
Then Wingecarribee Shire Council decided to launch war on Highlands Opinion.
To be fair not on the 11,000 people who use the site.
In a Notice of Motion tabled at council’s June 17 meeting, Cr Nicole Smith said ‘angertainers’ were using social media’s love of outrage “to divide society rather than lift”.
She said online forums “run by faceless social media accounts” and with hidden agendas were creating chaos rather than stability “with the aim to exert undue influence for personal benefit”.
“Our community has been duped,” Cr Smith said.
“These groups have clear political and personal agendas – they simply aren’t brave enough to be transparent about it.
“These forums and the behaviours exhibited on them are doing real damage to our community.”
Local residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the ‘angertainment’ phenomenon at an event being organised by Wingecarribee Libraries early next month.
The event – being held at the Bowral Memorial Hall on August 4 – will feature respected author and communications thinker Ed Coper as the guest speaker.
In ‘Angertainment: How social media outrage ruined everything’, Coper explores how online platforms shape the way we think, feel and connect and how the constant pull of online outrage affects our daily lives.
It has been described as “part insight and part practical guide” offering readers “thoughtful ways to navigate a noisy and fast-moving digital world”.
Coper – who also authored ‘Facts and Other Lies’ – is recognised as one of the nation’s leading commentators on the internet and the way it is reshaping the way share information.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said the event reflected what libraries do best.
“Our libraries are about ideas, curiosity and connection,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“We are delighted to bring a thinker of Ed Coper’s calibre to the Southern Highlands and warmly invite the community to join us.”
The evening will include a discussion of the ideas behind the book, the themes that connect it to everyday life and time for audience questions.
Cr Fitzpatrick said it was promising to be “rich and engaging night for anyone curious about the world around them”.
The event will run from 6pm to 7pm. Entry is free, but bookings are essential to make sure everyone has a seat. For bookings visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1608777
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