Author: Holly Rotherham

 Imagine you are an activist for a social movement. Describe how you would use digital media to promote your cause, backing up your choices with information from the required readings, the suggested readings, and high-quality sources you find on your own.

 Reflect on how data driven digital advertising and marketing shapes individuals, for better or worse. Use specific examples of specific adverts or digital marketing campaigns to illustrate your key points.

Reflect on whether social media is good or bad for users’ well-being. Use examples that reference the design of platforms, their business models, and the type of practices and content they host.

Introduction – Outline effects of social media, using Instagram as an example.

Positive effects of social media on users’ well-being:

• Increased social connection – Possibility of global connections, stay in contact with family/friends.
• Creativity – Able to share art and ideas. Gain inspiration from other creators.
• Education – Become aware of global issues, politics and social movements.
• Source of comfort – Niche communities, shared experiences. May allow people to feel less alone.

Negative effects of social media on users’ well-being:

• Designed to be addictive/entice users to scroll – Personalised algorithm.
• Sociotechnical scripting – Reinforces biases/standards of society.
• Impact on mental health – Self-comparison, anxiety, depression, loneliness, overwhelm.
• Disconnection from reality – Too much time online.
• Reinforces beauty standards – influencers’ “perfect” lives. Impossible to live up to.

Ways to reduce this effect:

• Screen time limits and reminders.
• Pressure on the user to be more mindful, rather than the social media platforms taking responsibility.

Conclusion

References