SOCIAL MEDIA IN COMMUNICATION

Course Description

This course explores the history, rise and growth of computer-mediated communication technologies known as “social media,” – including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube – as a 21st century communication practice. Throughout the course, various social media tools and their application in current media will be addressed and current habits in social media will be discussed. This course also examines relevant social theory, including technology studies, communication theory and cultural studies to critically evaluate the effect of social media on relationships, activism, branding, politics and news media. This course also focuses on content creation and how to build content that performs well in social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA IN COMMUNICATION

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Explain the historical and technological development process of new ICT's and its effects on mass communication.
2. 02 Define the basic concepts of new ICTs and social media and relate them with communication works.
3. 03 Explain the basic characteristics of social media platforms.
4. 04 Evaluate the social, cultural and political functions and effects of social media with a critical perspective.
5. 05 Analyse the effects social media has on traditional media.
6. 06 Explain the process of creating content that will cause the targeted effect in communication activities carried out through social media.
7. 07 Define and follow ethical rules that must be followed in the social media.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 1. Fuchs, C. (2024) Social Media: A Critical Introduction. 4th Edition, SAGE Publications.
2. 02 2. Jeremy H., L. (2020). Social Media Communication: Concepts, Practices, Data, Law and Ethics. 3 Edition, Routledge.
3. 03 3. Trepte, S., Masur, P. (2023). The Routledge Handbook of Privacy and Social Media. 1st Edition, Routledge.
4. 04 4. Castells, M. (2005). The Network Society: from Knowledge to Policy. Castells, M., Cardoso, G. (Ed.), The Network Society: from Knowledge to Policy. Washington, DC: Johns Hopkins Center for Transatlantic Relations

Learning Outcomes

1. L02 Define the basic concepts relating to various social media applications. SOLO 3
2. L03 Explain the basic characteristics of social media platforms. SOLO 4
3. L04 Evaluate the social, cultural and political functions and effects of social media with a critical perspective. SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Demonstrate an understanding of the core subfields of psychology — including but not limited to clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and biological/neuroscientific psychology — and their interconnections with other scientific disciplines, critically evaluating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry in psychology.
2. P02 Apply scientific methods, research techniques, measurement and psychometric principles (e.g., reliability, validity, scale development/adaptation), and quantitative/statistical reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena, recognizing methodological strengths, limitations, common reasoning fallacies, and the flaws of pseudoscience.
3. P03 Employ logical, intuitive, and creative thinking to analyze psychological concepts, evaluate theories (including their historical and philosophical development), synthesize information, and solve complex problems related to cognition and behavior.
4. P04 Integrate psychological theories and findings into practical settings (e.g., business, policy, clinical/counseling contexts, and daily life), applying foundational applied skills such as interviewing, observation, and case formulation, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform individual, organizational, and societal practices.
5. P05 Describe key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, critically applying these principles to dilemmas across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
6. P06 Recognize how individual differences (e.g., beliefs, values, backgrounds) impact behavior and relationships; use psychological knowledge to prevent or resolve intercultural and interpersonal conflicts and promote inclusive, respectful interactions.
7. P07 Exhibit self-regulation and self-awareness, demonstrating a commitment to psychological well-being, effective time management, constructive incorporation of feedback, and ongoing personal and professional development.
8. P08 Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, demonstrating responsibility, bias awareness, conflict resolution skills, and leadership in achieving collective goals.
9. P09 Communicate psychological knowledge clearly and appropriately for academic, professional, and public audiences using inclusive language, both in written and oral formats, and by accurately summarizing and presenting research findings.
10. P10 Use information and communication technologies (including AI and digital media) responsibly and effectively for research, collaboration, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge.
11. P11 Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in response to evolving psychological knowledge and societal needs, engaging with global perspectives and demonstrating intercultural awareness.

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