COMM 326Effects of social media
The course explores the effects of social media on individuals, organizations and society. It introduces students to social science research about both positive and negative outcomes of using social media. Topics include identity formation, self-esteem, social capital, relational maintenance, addiction, cyberbullying, enterprise social media, crisis management, political mobilization, online activism, philanthropy, online terrorist networks, effects of social media use for news, entertainment, advertising, public relations and other mass communications. Theoretical mechanisms governing the causes and consequences of social media will be explored, with a substantial discussion component. Applications to media practices and implications for design of future media will also be covered.