Notes on New Media Challenges Course Introduction
Course Overview
- Course Title: New Media Challenges
- Instructor: Martin Tanis
- Course Focus: Examining new challenges in media with a normative and ethical approach.
Course Objectives
- Define and discuss challenges in media, public, and individual.
- Use a theory- and evidence-based approach for addressing issues.
- Explore normative and ethical aspects of new technological developments.
- Shift from traditional media (TV, print) to online sources & social media.
- Decline in TV news reach and print media, with a rise in online engagement.
- Social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) gaining prominence.
- Generational difference: Younger audiences preferring online news.
- Concerns over algorithms potentially influencing news consumption negatively.
Key Statistics
- 41% of 18-24 year-olds now consider social media as main news sources.
- 41% of respondents report selective news avoidance, up from 24% in 2017.
Topics for Future Discussions
- Ethical concerns of social technologies and artificial agents
- Impact of new media on political extremism and misinformation
- Strategies to counter online hate and promote digital citizenship
Structure of the Course
- Approximately 3 lectures per week.
- Required readings and materials supplemented on Canvas.
- Final examination with both open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
- Emphasis on studying articles before lectures.