Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ethical-social-media
Social media has transformed how we connect, communicate, and participate in public life, but it also raises significant ethical questions. Coursera’s ‘Ethical Social Media’ course offers a comprehensive exploration of the concepts, practices, and ethical considerations surrounding social media usage. This course is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the digital landscape and learn how to navigate it responsibly.
The course begins with foundational concepts such as self-representation, online identity, and the intersection of social media technologies with public and private spheres. It then delves into the motivations and behaviors of social media users, distinguishing between networks and communities, and exploring participatory culture through the lens of ‘produsage’.
One of the course highlights is its focus on the ethical challenges posed by social media data analytics. Participants learn how vast amounts of data are generated and how this data can be interpreted and used strategically. More importantly, the course encourages critical thinking about data manipulation and privacy concerns, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations.
The final module tackles the complex issues of ethics in social media—covering topics such as user manipulation, ‘hope labour,’ and the exploitation within digital cultural production. It prompts learners to reflect on responsible usage and the potential consequences of social media actions.
Overall, ‘Ethical Social Media’ is a well-rounded course that combines theory with practical insights, making it perfect for students, professionals, or anyone interested in responsible social media engagement. I highly recommend this course for those seeking to understand the ethical dimensions of their online activities and to become more conscientious digital citizens.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ethical-social-media