Online Social Media
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Online Social Media
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What you'll learn
Analyze social media platforms using foundational theories including Uses and Gratification Theory and Media Ecology Theory.
Navigate digital identity, privacy, and ethical challenges while implementing cybersecurity practices for responsible social media use.
Evaluate social media's impact on society, communication, and employment to leverage platforms for career advancement effectively.
Apply safety strategies and promote positive online behavior to create inclusive digital communities and combat cyberbullying.
Skills you'll gain
- Cybersecurity
- Media and Communications
- Communication
- Digital Media Strategy
- digital literacy
- Digital Marketing
- Ethical Standards And Conduct
- Data Ethics
- Social Media Management
- Social Media
- Electronic Media
- Professional Networking
- Social Media Marketing
- Social Media Strategy
- Content Creation
- Digital Communications
- Shared Media
Details to know
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 10 modules in this course
Master the dynamic world of social media through comprehensive exploration of its evolution, impact, and future. This course equips you with critical thinking skills to analyze social media platforms, understand their theoretical foundations, and navigate digital spaces responsibly.
You'll trace social media's evolution from early platforms to modern ecosystems, examining diverse platforms including microblogging, media sharing, professional networking, and messaging apps. Explore foundational theories such as Uses and Gratification Theory, Media Ecology Theory, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to understand how social media shapes communication and society. Develop practical skills for the digital age by examining digital identity formation, privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and cybersecurity practices. Learn how to leverage social media for career advancement while understanding the psychological impacts, authenticity challenges, and safety concerns of online interactions. This course uniquely combines theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, preparing you to engage critically with social media as both a user and professional. Through interactive dialogues, case studies, and hands-on assignments, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the evolving social media landscape responsibly and effectively.
The "Humans are Social Media" module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social media's etymology and its significance in the modern world. Students will explore the evolution from early platforms to the birth of modern socoial media, understanding the drawbacks of early social networking. By the end, students will have a nuanced perspective on the historical development, importance, and challenges associated with social media, enabling them to engage in informed discussions about its role in society.
What's included
13 videos7 readings7 assignments
13 videosβ’Total 80 minutes
- Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Basavadatta Mitraβ’3 minutes
- Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Saikishor Jangitiβ’2 minutes
- Online Social Media - Course Introductory Videoβ’4 minutes
- Unraveling the Etymology of Social Mediaβ’2 minutes
- Unraveling the Origins of a Digital Phenomenonβ’6 minutes
- Exploring the Impact and Influence of Social Media β Part 1β’7 minutes
- Exploring the Impact and Influence of Social Media β Part 2β’7 minutes
- Predecessors of Social Mediaβ’8 minutes
- Origins of Online Socialisingβ’10 minutes
- Old to New Social Mediaβ’7 minutes
- The Birth of Modern Social Mediaβ’9 minutes
- Exploring the Challenges of Early Social Media Platformsβ’9 minutes
- The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networkingβ’7 minutes
7 readingsβ’Total 110 minutes
- Course Overviewβ’10 minutes
- Course Structure & Critical Informationβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Unraveling the Etymology of Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Unveiling the Significance of Social Media in Our Worldβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Tracing the Origins of Online Socialisingβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Old to New Social Mediaβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networkingβ’10 minutes
7 assignmentsβ’Total 210 minutes
- Test Yourself: Humans are Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Unraveling the Etymology of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Unveiling the Significance of Social Media in our Worldβ’30 minutes
- Tracing the Origins of Online Socialisingβ’30 minutes
- Old to New Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networkingβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Humans are Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
Students who complete the "The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media" module will receive a brief introduction to the leading social media platforms. The module's coverage of discussion forums, media sharing, professional networking, microblogging, and sharing of visual information attempts to provide students with an understanding of the distinctive qualities and contributions of each. Students will be thoroughly aware of the varied social media environment by the end, allowing them to interact efficiently with the constantly changing online platforms.
What's included
10 videos5 readings7 assignments
10 videosβ’Total 56 minutes
- Microblogging Platforms - Part 1β’5 minutes
- Microblogging Platforms - Part 2β’3 minutes
- Media Sharing Networks - Part 1β’8 minutes
- Media Sharing Networks - Part 2β’5 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forums - Part 1β’8 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forums - Part 2β’5 minutes
- Visual Content Sharing - Part 1β’6 minutes
- Visual Content Sharing - Part 2β’5 minutes
- Messaging Apps - Part 1β’6 minutes
- Messaging Apps - Part 2β’4 minutes
5 readingsβ’Total 210 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Microblogging Platformsβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Media Sharing Networksβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Professional Networking and Discussion Forumsβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Visual Content Sharingβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Messaging Appsβ’10 minutes
7 assignmentsβ’Total 210 minutes
- Test Yourself: Clicking Through Time: The Evolution and Diversity of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Microblogging Platformsβ’30 minutes
- Media Sharing Networksβ’30 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forumsβ’30 minutes
- Visual Content Sharingβ’30 minutes
- Messaging Appsβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Clicking Through Time: The Evolution and Diversity of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
The "Social Theory" module explores various theories interlinked with social media. The module goes through theories such as Uses and gratification theory, Diffusion of innovation theory and media ecology theory. This module offers a comprehensive exploration of social theory, providing students with a foundational understanding of the various perspectives, concepts, and debates that shape our understanding of society.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videosβ’Total 44 minutes
- Introduction to Social Media Theoryβ’9 minutes
- Social Network Theoryβ’6 minutes
- Uses and Gratifications Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Social Identity Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Diffusion of Innovations Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Cultural Hegemony Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Media Ecology Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Social Construction of Technology Theoryβ’5 minutes
4 readingsβ’Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Social Media Theoryβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Uses and Gratifications Theoryβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Diffusion of Innovations Theoryβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Media Ecology Theoryβ’50 minutes
6 assignmentsβ’Total 180 minutes
- Test Yourself: Social Theoryβ’30 minutes
- Social Media Theoryβ’30 minutes
- Uses and Gratifications Theoryβ’30 minutes
- Diffusion of Innovations Theoryβ’30 minutes
- Media Ecology Theoryβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Social Theoryβ’30 minutes
The "Social Media Reality" module aims to give students a critical perspective on key aspects of social media. Students will explore the ideologies shaping content and interactions, critically assess exploitation instances, and examine access disparities across demographics. The module also delves into the interconnected growth of social media with the popularity of the internet. By the end, students will be equipped with insights to navigate the complex landscape of social media, fostering a critical understanding of its impact on society.
What's included
6 videos3 readings5 assignments
6 videosβ’Total 31 minutes
- Ideologies and Opinion Polarisationβ’5 minutes
- Echo Chambers and Opinion Amplificationβ’6 minutes
- Exploitation and Terrorismβ’4 minutes
- Exploitation in Crimeβ’4 minutes
- Access in the 1990s and 2000s - Part 1β’6 minutes
- Access in the 1990s and 2000s - Part 2β’5 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 150 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Ideologiesβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Exploitationβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Access to Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
5 assignmentsβ’Total 150 minutes
- Test Yourself: Social Media Realityβ’30 minutes
- Ideologiesβ’30 minutes
- Exploitationβ’30 minutes
- Access to Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Social Media Realityβ’30 minutes
The "Identity, Once an Elusive Concept" module provides students with a concise exploration of personal identity in the digital age. It covers the complexities of online and offline identity, the influence of algorithms on digital lock-in, strategies for managing digital overuse, and the prevalence of cyberbullying. The module also delves into the intricacies of privacy in the digital era. By the end, students will gain a critical understanding of these key aspects, enabling them to navigate the complexities of personal identity in today's interconnected world.
What's included
10 videos5 readings7 assignments
10 videosβ’Total 80 minutes
- Exploring Identities in the Digital Ageβ’10 minutes
- Who are you? Online? Offline? Across Modalitiesβ’10 minutes
- The Algorithm Basisβ’5 minutes
- Understanding the Mechanism and Implicationsβ’7 minutes
- Addressing Addiction and Overuseβ’13 minutes
- Striking a Balance in the Digital Ageβ’6 minutes
- Understanding and Combating Online Harassmentβ’7 minutes
- Preventing and Combating Online Harassmentβ’7 minutes
- A Tangled Issueβ’8 minutes
- Exploring the Complexities of Personal Privacyβ’7 minutes
5 readingsβ’Total 250 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Who are you Across Modalitiesβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Lock In: The Algorithm Basisβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Opting Outβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Devil is in the Defaultβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Privacyβ’50 minutes
7 assignmentsβ’Total 210 minutes
- Test Yourself: Identity, Once an Elusive Conceptβ’30 minutes
- Who are you Across Modalitiesβ’30 minutes
- Lock In: The Algorithm Basisβ’30 minutes
- Opting Outβ’30 minutes
- Devil is in the Defaultβ’30 minutes
- Privacyβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Identity, Once an Elusive Conceptβ’30 minutes
The "Ethics of Social Media" module delves into the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use and impact of social media platforms in contemporary society. It explores the multifaceted intersection of technology, communication, and ethics, aiming to equip participants with a critical understanding of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the digital realm.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videosβ’Total 39 minutes
- Data Ethicsβ’6 minutes
- Privacy Ethicsβ’5 minutes
- Content Integrity-1β’6 minutes
- Content Integrity-2β’4 minutes
- User Interactionβ’5 minutes
- User Well-Beingβ’4 minutes
- Community and Societal Impact-1β’4 minutes
- Community and Societal Impact-2β’5 minutes
4 readingsβ’Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Data and Privacy Ethicsβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Content Integrityβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: User Interaction and Well-Beingβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Community and Societal Impactβ’50 minutes
6 assignmentsβ’Total 180 minutes
- Test Yourself: Ethics of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Data and Privacy Ethicsβ’30 minutes
- Content Integrityβ’30 minutes
- User Interaction and Well-Beingβ’30 minutes
- Community and Societal Impactβ’30 minutes
- Lets Practice: Ethics of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
The "Towards a Truly Social Media" module explores social media dynamics. Students analyze the need vs. want for social media, examine 2021 demographic trends, and assess social media's response to COVID-19. The module prompts anticipation of future trends, fostering a critical understanding of social media's evolving role. Students gain insights into motivations, demographics, and potential developments in this dynamic landscape.
What's included
6 videos3 readings5 assignments
6 videosβ’Total 34 minutes
- Origin Evolution and Emergence - Part 1β’6 minutes
- Origin Evolution and Emergence - Part 2β’6 minutes
- The Role of Social Media in Disseminating COVID-19 Informationβ’6 minutes
- How Social Media Platforms Fueled Connection During the COVID-19 Pandemicβ’5 minutes
- Shaping the Future Landscapeβ’4 minutes
- Predictions and Projections for the Next Decadeβ’7 minutes
3 readingsβ’Total 150 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Need Vs Want of Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Response to Covid-19 Crisisβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Future of Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
5 assignmentsβ’Total 150 minutes
- Test Yourself: Towards a Truly Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Need Vs Want of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Response to Covid-19 Crisisβ’30 minutes
- Future of Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Towards a Truly Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
The "Employment in Social Media" module explores the dynamic landscape of employment through social media, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage these platforms effectively in their job search and career advancement.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videosβ’Total 56 minutes
- Introduction to Employment through Social Mediaβ’8 minutes
- Job Seekingβ’9 minutes
- Personal Branding on Social Mediaβ’7 minutes
- Recruiting on Social Mediaβ’8 minutes
- Freelancingβ’4 minutes
- Gig Workβ’5 minutes
- Social Media to Enhance Businessesβ’9 minutes
- Effects of Marketing with Social Mediaβ’7 minutes
4 readingsβ’Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Obtaining Employment Through Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Employment in Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Self-Employment through Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Marketing Using Social Mediaβ’50 minutes
6 assignmentsβ’Total 180 minutes
- Test Yourself: Employment in Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Obtaining Employment through Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Employment in Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Self-Employment through Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Marketing Using Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Employment in Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
In this module, you will delve into the various concerns surrounding social media use. Explore concepts such as privacy, authenticity, informed consent, and anonymity, gaining an understanding of the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Analyse real-world examples of these concerns in social media interactions. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital challenges you may encounter on social media platforms and will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate them effectively.
What's included
10 videos10 readings4 assignments
10 videosβ’Total 96 minutes
- Privacy Concernsβ’18 minutes
- Authenticityβ’9 minutes
- Informed Consentβ’7 minutes
- Anonymityβ’8 minutes
- Case Studyβ’9 minutes
- Cyberbullyingβ’9 minutes
- Phishing and Scamsβ’5 minutes
- Content Moderationβ’8 minutes
- Mental Health Impactβ’7 minutes
- Case Studyβ’16 minutes
10 readingsβ’Total 500 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Privacy Concernsβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Authenticityβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Informed Consentβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Anonymityβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Studyβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Cyberbullyingβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Phishing and Scamsβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Content Moderationβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Mental Health Impactβ’50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Studyβ’50 minutes
4 assignmentsβ’Total 108 minutes
- Test Yourself: Exploring Digital Concerns in Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
- Understanding Privacy and Authenticityβ’24 minutes
- Addressing Risks and Ensuring Safetyβ’24 minutes
- Let's Practice: Exploring Digital Concerns in Social Mediaβ’30 minutes
In this module, you will focus on strategies to ensure safety while using social media platforms and promote positive online behavior within digital communities. Through interactive activities and discussions, you will explore cybersecurity practices, seek support networks for addressing online safety concerns, engage in digital advocacy efforts, and demonstrate resilience in navigating challenging online environments. By the end of the module, you will be empowered to navigate social media platforms safely and responsibly, contributing to a positive digital culture and advocating for online safety within your communities.
What's included
10 videos11 readings4 assignments
10 videosβ’Total 81 minutes
- Secure Password Managementβ’13 minutes
- Responsible Sharingβ’6 minutes
- Digital Footprintβ’8 minutes
- Online Etiquetteβ’5 minutes
- Case Studyβ’6 minutes
- Seeking Helpβ’8 minutes
- Peer Supportβ’7 minutes
- Digital Advocacyβ’14 minutes
- Community Engagementβ’9 minutes
- Case Studyβ’5 minutes
11 readingsβ’Total 110 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Secure Password Managementβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Responsible Sharingβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Digital Footprintβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Online Etiquetteβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Studyβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Seeking Helpβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Peer Supportβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Digital Advocacyβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Community Engagementβ’10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Studyβ’10 minutes
- Course Summaryβ’10 minutes
4 assignmentsβ’Total 120 minutes
- Test Yourself: Ensuring Safety and Promoting Positive Behavior β’30 minutes
- Cybersecurity Practices and Digital Citizenshipβ’30 minutes
- Building Support Networks and Advocacyβ’30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Ensuring Safety and Promoting Positive Behavior β’30 minutes
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.ΒΉ
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