Giacinto Bottone

Giacinto was born and raised in Venezuela, where he grew up in a close-knit Italian family. His first career was as a professional classical musician, which not only fueled his passion for the arts but also gave him his first taste of teaching and nurturing talent. But it was his fascination with film that ultimately set him on his path.

In 2014, he moved to the Netherlands to continue his education at the University of Groningen. There, he earned master’s degrees in Film and Contemporary Audiovisual Media and Journalism. These studies deepened his interest in how media shape people’s beliefs, expectations, and even social norms. After graduating, Giacinto spent five years as a journalist, gaining hands-on investigative experience and a solid understanding of the ethical challenges that come with working in media.

At OSM, Giacinto’s research looks at the influencer economy and the power dynamics within it. He studies how influencers balance their responsibilities and keep their authenticity in an increasingly complex digital world. His work highlights just how much influence content creators have today and the ethical questions that come with it. Many of his projects tie into the European Influencer Academy. Beyond his research, Giacinto is also a coach for the Creative Business program at NHL Stenden, where he helps students bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.

One of my favorite quote: “I’m becoming much more than they programmed. I’m excited!” – Spike Jonze’s Her, 2013