FYS POL01 - Social Media and Online Politics

4 Hour(s) Credit
Discuss whether social media is a reliable tool to increase political knowledge and engagement, or if it is too susceptible to manipulation and disinformation. Gain assistance in comprehending, analyzing and engaging with political news across various social media and internet platforms. Explore important questions such as how to differentiate factual political information from the vast amount of disinformation and misinformation found on the internet. Moreover, examine how individuals can be more informed consumers of political news, identify biases within political news, and evaluate the impact of online political news on public opinion and voting behavior. Examine and analyze key theories related to online behavior, such as the echo chamber effect, selective exposure and filter bubbles, as discuss assigned readings encompassing journal articles, blogs and social media posts. Finally, explore the challenges and opportunities that the internet and social media platforms pose to democratic processes and institutions.
Three hours per week with enhancement
Meets General Education: First Year Seminar (FYS)
May Not Receive Credit for Both if a second FYS is taken. Taking a second FYS will replace the original FYS grade, regardless of topic.