Privacy and Social Media

Assistant Professor Fanny Ramirez Manship School of Mass Communication

NOTE: Enrollment priority will be given to Mass Communication majors.

This seminar course introduces students to mass communication scholarship on the topic of privacy and social media. It draws on a combination of readings, discussions, and writing assignments designed to familiarize students with important theories, concepts, frameworks, and case law on privacy and social media matters relevant to mass media researchers and professionals. The first module examines privacy and social media issues at the level of social and personal relationships. Topics covered include the rise of ephemeral communication platforms, privacy and deception in online dating, and managing the competing needs for personal privacy and social interaction. The second module looks at legal and social justice issues around privacy and social media, including the use of big data analytics by law enforcement and racialized surveillance practices and data gathering techniques in the U.S. criminal justice system.