Communication 397SM - ST-Social Media & Internet Com

Social media has brought together like-minded people but also divided nations, leading to concerns over disinformation, radicalization, and polarization, as well as algorithmic manipulations. In this course, students learn the central role internet communities play in knowledge diffusion, innovation, activism, and mobilization. The first part of the class will review online fandoms and important social movements afforded by social media technologies. Students will discuss implications of digital media on civil society and social changes. The second part of the class explores various sociological and psychological forces shaping user behavior in online communities (e.g., homophily and preferential attachment). Students will learn practical skills in using analytic tools in online community observations.

Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors only.