COMM 565 - Social Media and Society

This course is a two-part journey through the recent integration of social media into society. In the first section, we will explore the historical roots of new and social media, spending time understanding how to use social media effectively and how it is related to the individual. In the second section, we will investigate how social media relates to our relationships with others, interpersonally and within organizations. An understanding of social scientific research methods is helpful, but not required. Throughout, we will apply theories of communication to the study and design of social media sites and discuss the ways in which social media may influence various important social domains. General concepts and topics include identity formation and maintenance, privacy, and aspects of social media. Social media sites in various contexts such as relationship maintenance, organizations and advertising, health, and multitasking will be examined. The objective is to provide students with the knowledge, critical thinking ability, and practical skills they will need to effectively produce, consume and assess the potential cognitive, social, and political impact of social media.

Course credits: 4