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Foundations · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Social Media Ethics

As social platforms reshape society, ethical literacy is mandatory for digital professionals. This course critically examines the impact of algorithms, data harvesting, and infinite scroll on human behavior. Students will navigate complex issues such as misinformation (“Fake News”), algorithmic bias, digital addiction, and the responsibility of brands to maintain ethical standards in an unregulated space.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Analyze the impact of algorithms on polarization and "Echo Chambers"
  2. Understand Data Privacy laws (GDPR/CCPA) and user consent
  3. Evaluate the mental health impact of social media design (Dark Patterns)
  4. Detect and combat misinformation, Deepfakes, and bots
  5. Develop a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy for digital engagement
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Attention Economy vs. Human Welfare
  2. 02Algorithmic Bias: Race, Gender, and Visibility
  3. 03Data Privacy: Surveillance Capitalism
  4. 04Dark Patterns: UI Design for Addiction
  5. 05Mental Health: Body Image & Comparison
  6. 06Children Online: COPPA & Safety
  7. 07Echo Chambers & Political Polarization
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Misinformation & "Fake News" Ecology
  10. 10Cyberbullying, Trolling, & Moderation
  11. 11The Ethics of Influencer Disclosure (#Ad)
  12. 12Deepfakes & Synthetic Media Ethics
  13. 13Cancel Culture & Online Accountability
  14. 14Digital Detox & Digital Wellbeing
  15. 15Corporate Responsibility & Brand Safety
  16. 16Final Project: The Ethical Code of Conduct

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Ethical Code of Conduct

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier
  2. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff
  3. Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Umoja Noble
  4. Custodians of the Internet by Tarleton Gillespie
  5. Ruined by Design by Mike Monteiro
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