Media, Mind, and Black Mirror

Catalog description

In this course, we will examine the ways in which near-future science fiction - with a focus on the Black Mirror series - can help us think more creatively about research on the ways that people use and are psychologically influenced by communication technology (i.e., media psychology). We will read and connect influential research publications from this field, many of which were written by Stanford professors, to Black Mirror episodes which depict relevant themes. Weekly assignments will focus on synthesizing these research publications and Black Mirror episodes with relevant news stories and personal media use. The main course project will be to generate a research proposal, inspired by a Black Mirror episode or other work of science fiction, which creatively examines an issue of media psychology with societal importance. In line with the theme of the class, students will be encouraged to use any advanced media technology at their disposal, including generative AI tools, to develop the assignment content (e.g., writing, images). Grading will not focus on the mechanical output of the work, but instead will focus on project creativity, synthesis between topics, connections to personal experiences, and ability to present ideas verbally.