Social Media and Politics: Digital Disinformation

Catalog description

Despite increasing references in the news, disinformation, misinformation, and so-called “fake news” are not new political phenomena. What is new is the role of social media and other digital technology, which has democratized the ability to manipulate media and amplified the speed and reach of misleading content. In this course, we will explore the critical role of social media manipulation in contemporary politics. The course begins by contextualizing the role of propaganda in politics before analyzing the power and constraints of digital media. The course will conclude by analyzing disinformation in political contexts around the globe.