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oupips.bsky.social
@oupips.bsky.social
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oupips.bsky.social
Unlock the UK Parliament 🏛️

The OU is running two sessions for OU students and the public designed to turn you from a passive observer into an active participant.

Your UK Parliament (27 Jan, 6pm)

Get Your Voice Heard (04 Feb, 6pm)

Less doomscrolling, more doing:
A graphic poster featuring a stylized, navy and mustard yellow linocut illustration of the UK Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Large text reads "Unlock the UK Parliament" followed by the subtitle "Education for OU Students & The Public." Smaller text reads "Active participation in UK Politics. It's easier than you think." The Open University logo is in the bottom left corner.
January 14, 2026 at 3:40 PM
oupips.bsky.social
The linguistic trajectory from "Brain Rot" (2024) to "Rage Bait" (2025) maps perfectly onto the degradation of political discourse.

We have moved from the atrophy of critical thought (Brain Rot) to the weaponization of affect (Rage Bait).
2025 Word of the year definition of Rage Bait Noun, online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, typically posted in order to increase traffic to or engagement with a particular web page orsocial media account. Cited to Oxford University Press 2025 More on rage bait in the next post Rage bait, with a fishing hook next to the word First used on Usenet in 2002 to describe the particular reaction of a driver to being flashed by another driver requesting to pass The other shortlisted words were aura farming, noun: The cultivation of an impressive, attractive, or charismatic persona or public image by behaving or presenting oneself in a way intended subtly to convey an air of confidence, coolness, or mystique. biohack, verb: To attempt to improve or optimize one’s physical or mental performance, health, longevity, or wellbeing by altering one’s diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, or by using other means such as drugs, supplements, or technological devices Word of the year 2024 2024 word of the year, Brai Rot. Noun A perceived loss of intelligence or critical thinking skills, esp. (in later use) as attributed to the overconsumption of unchallenging or inane content or material. Now also: content or material that is perceived to have this effect. Read about our experiment building your political personality Bottom line We want a government that acts like a strict strategist, and a police force that acts like a kind parent. We are demanding a customized reality. Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments 👇 or Make your voice known and contribute to the experiment by submitting your answers in the Google Form Full result analysis in Newsletter. Subscribe today on our website.
December 20, 2025 at 10:34 AM
oupips.bsky.social
Our analysis suggests that for many, online argument is just "Ragebait" a psychological defense mechanism to treat politics as a spectator sport.

We found that students want a "Customized Reality": a strict Strategist in government, but a lenient Social Worker on the streets.
3 Contradictions of Modern Justice a post summarising findings from a critical psychology discourse analysis PIPS: Politics, International Relations and Policy Society. www.oupips.org.uk "We analysed the psychology behind PIPS members political takes. Using Critical Discourse Psychology here is what the data say about how we view power" Respondents overwhelmingly blame "Greed" and "Government" for injustice. Yet, when asked about the ideal politician, they respect "Strategy" and "Churchill-style" strength over pure kindness. We want a leader who is ruthless on our behalf. The vibe over the law All the respondents preferred Ethics over Rules. If a homeless man steals food, the "Ideal Officer" pays for it or drives him to a shelter. We have collectively decided that morality outrank the criminal statutes. Irony is a Shield Why do we argue online? For some, it’s "Desperation" to save the future. For others, it’s just to "Ragebait" and laugh. If you aren't angry, you're probably dissociating.
December 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Reposted
oupolitics.bsky.social
UK Parliament Week #UKPW is back to spread the word about what #Parliament is. Get started with the free
Open Learn course - Introduction to making political & social change.

Check out the video: youtu.be/pq9bDCrjFFw

@ukparliament.parliament.uk @oupips.bsky.social
Introduction to making political and social change (Free Course Trailer)
YouTube video by OpenLearn from The Open University
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Reposted
oupolitics.bsky.social
Are you an @openuniversity.bsky.social student interested in speaking to other students about politics? If so, join @oupips.bsky.social – a great way to mark UK Parliament Week! #UKPW

Find out more here: oupips.org.uk

@ukparliament.parliament.uk
OU PIPS
OU Politics, International Relations and Policy Society
oupips.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:07 AM
oupips.bsky.social
We are celebrating UK Parliament Week by giving you the compass to the system. #UKPW

The OU has a free, open-access resource: "Introduction to Making Political and Social Change." Link at bottom of thread 👇🏼

It’s not a textbook; it’s a manual on how to force the government to listen to you. 🧵
November 24, 2025 at 9:51 PM
oupips.bsky.social
It's time for a real change and you can learn how with a warm welcome from @oupolitics.bsky.social into Parliament Week #UKPW
November 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM
oupips.bsky.social
In the coming weeks, the committee will begin its work on organizing a program of events. Please look out for further updates and announcements across our social media channels. #OUPIPS #OpenUniversity #OUStudents #PoliticsSociety #InternationalRelations #Policy #HigherEducation
October 20, 2025 at 11:41 AM
oupips.bsky.social
A reminder to all, that our AGM takes place at 5pm today.

Everyone is welcome, and all committee positions are open for election.

Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f504f6...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Reposted
oupips.bsky.social
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event

As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. Hosted by Jack Flaherty, Faculty Representative for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
oupips.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
oupips.bsky.social
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event

As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr…
OU PIPs kick off with inspiring ‘Welcome Week’ event
As part of this year’s Open University Welcome Week, the newly formed Politics, International Relations and Policy Society (PIPs) held its first event with Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) and Dr Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. Hosted by Jack Flaherty, Faculty Representative for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
oupips.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
oupips.bsky.social
Tonight at 6:30. We are really looking forward to it
oupips.bsky.social oupips.bsky.social @oupips.bsky.social · Sep 22
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society

Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Promotional poster for the Politics, International Relations and Policy Society at The Open University, advertising a "Welcome Week 2025" event on Tuesday, 30th September 2025. Features headshots of Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Dr. Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. The poster invites students to a special session introducing the society and its connection to the university’s teaching and research. Includes the society’s logo and website: www.oupips.org.uk. Would you like a shorter version for social media or a more formal one for institutional use?
September 30, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Reposted
oupips.bsky.social
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society

Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Promotional poster for the Politics, International Relations and Policy Society at The Open University, advertising a "Welcome Week 2025" event on Tuesday, 30th September 2025. Features headshots of Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Dr. Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. The poster invites students to a special session introducing the society and its connection to the university’s teaching and research. Includes the society’s logo and website: www.oupips.org.uk. Would you like a shorter version for social media or a more formal one for institutional use?
September 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM
oupips.bsky.social
Join us on 30th September - 6.30pm - 7.30pm, joined with Matt Staples and Dr. Edward Wastnidge will be sharing how the Open University’s teaching, research, and wider engagement in politics and international relations connect with the aims of our new society

Join: www.oustudents.com/ents/event/2...
Promotional poster for the Politics, International Relations and Policy Society at The Open University, advertising a "Welcome Week 2025" event on Tuesday, 30th September 2025. Features headshots of Matt Staples, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies, and Dr. Edward Wastnidge, Head of Politics and International Studies. The poster invites students to a special session introducing the society and its connection to the university’s teaching and research. Includes the society’s logo and website: www.oupips.org.uk. Would you like a shorter version for social media or a more formal one for institutional use?
September 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM