DHS Social Media (Lecture Notes)

H1 General Paper (Y6) Technology I: Social Media Lecture [T2W5] Introduction Key Definitions ● Social Media refers to computer-based modern technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts and information through virtual networks and communities. ● Social Media is a type of digital technology . Platforms are built using computer programming (software) that runs on devices (hardware) and connects people through the internet (a technological system). Types of technologies being utilised: ○ Software engineering to build platforms e.g. Instagram/TikTok, ○ Servers and networks to store data and share content across the world, and ○ Algorithms to recommend content and provide personalised feeds. Lecture Structure Social media has many benefits [value & importance], but its power also comes with great risk [power & influence], making the regulation of social media platforms necessary and essential [control & responsibility]. 1. Value & Importance of Social Media 2. Power & Influence of Social Media ○ Social Media as a Political and Social Tool ○ Social Media as a Shaper of Identity, Perspectives and Behaviour ○ Social Media as a Public Court 3. Issues of Control & Responsibility ○ Who is being controlled by Social Media? ○ Who is responsible for the control that Social Media has over our lives? Recent ‘A’ Level Questions 1. To what extent has social media devalued true friendship in your society? (2021) 2. Is modern technology a benefit or a threat to democracy? (2020) 3. Consider the view that social media has more influence than politicians. (2019) 4. Does violence in the visual media portray reality or encourage the unacceptable? (2019) 5. In an age of rapid technological advancement , is a single career for life realistic? (2018) 6. ‘The quality of written language is being destroyed by social media .’ What is your view? (2017) 7. ‘Books serve little purpose in education as technological developments become more sophisticated’. How far do you agree? (2015) 1

Part 1 : Value & Importance of Social Media Value & Importance of Social Media Has value? ◡ ̈ Lacks value? ˙ ◠ ˙ Examples Hedonistic Practical Economic Aesthetic Social/ Cultural Health/ Safety Political 2

Part 2 : Power & Influence of social media What gives social media power & influence over others? ● It shapes identity ● It shapes public opinion and behaviour patterns through algorithmic control ● It drives trends through virality ● It amplifies voices, sparks movements to bring about social change ●