During the past decade, social media platforms have transformed many areas of social life, from news to labor markets, retail, activism, fandom, arts, and romance. Many distinct cultural and political niches have emerged across social media platforms, often becoming vibrant sites of connection and conflict. In this course, students will use a communication toolkit of theories and methods to analyze social media cultures. Students will conduct their own qualitative study of a social media culture and analyze its social, economic, and political implications.
5 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
During the past decade, social media platforms have transformed many areas of social life, from news to labor markets, retail, activism, fandom, arts, and romance. Many distinct cultural and political niches have emerged across social media platforms, often becoming vibrant sites of connection and conflict. In this course, students will use a communication toolkit of theories and methods to analyze social media cultures. Students will conduct their own qualitative study of a social media culture and analyze its social, economic, and political implications.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.