Media Influence and Societal Impact (GSS505)

GSS505 Media Influence and Societal Impact will delve into the critical issue of political communication in the digital age, with a spotlight on the role of media and the spread of fake news. Students will examine how information flows between political leaders, media outlets, and the public, and how this landscape is evolving with technology. Drawing on cutting-edge research, students will critically analyse the media’s performance in democracy, the challenges of combating misinformation, and the power of framing and priming in political messaging. A central theme will be the pervasive problem of fake news and its consequences for public safety. Students will explore how false or misleading information can spread rapidly, leading to panic, undermining trust in institutions, and even influencing policy responses to crises. The course will interplay between media, misinformation, and public safety in the contemporary world.

• The Evolution of Digital Technology
• The Impact of Technology on Political Communication
• The Role of Media in Democracy
• Online Radicalisation
• Consequences of Fake News for Public Safety
• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
• Social Media and Fake News
• Rules, Responsibility and Content Moderation
• Digital Disruption and the Future of Political Communication
• Case Studies in Fake News and Public Safety
• Regulation and Policy Responses to Fake News
• The Future of Fact-Checking and Media Literacy

• Examine the role of media in democracy and critically assess its performance
• Analyse the spread of fake news and evaluate its impact on public safety
• Appraise the effectiveness of policies and rules related to digital technology
• Distinguish between credible and misleading sources of information
• Formulate strategies to effectively address issues related to communication
• Compare the changes brought about by digital technology on communication