Social Media Pol Behavior

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping contemporary politics, economics, and culture. This course examines how it influences the attitudes, beliefs, and actions of citizens and policymakers, and how political behavior in turn shapes the platforms themselves. We will explore: Under what conditions does social media bring people together or drive them apart? How does it affect political participation and news consumption? What psychological factors explain these patterns? Students will gain an understanding of the research methods scientists use to study social media's impact, from causation to big data – no prior technical experience necessary. We will examine real-world solutions that governments and platforms are actively testing to reduce harms and harness social media constructively. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to analyze social media's role in shaping political behavior, assess policy implications, and communicate their findings while tackling pressing questions at the intersection of technology, society, and democratic governance.