Information Technology and Society. The Impacts of Social Media Platforms in the Society

Throughout the last two modules (attached), we have been considering the impact of “personalization” on the availability and reliability of information, and how this impacts our ability to be informed and engaged citizens in a democracy. The module content and readings is designed to encourage students to consider the role that platforms are playing in curating the information that is presented to them, and over time, shaping their world view. For this assignment, students are asked to keep a log, over the course of a week, of all news stories or any other “educational” information that they encounter on their phone. This can include news stories recommended by friends on a Facebook feed, results that show up on a Google search, or any facts that are communicated to you online via your phone, tablet, or computer.
ESSAY QUESTION:
With reference to the module material and assigned readings, reflect on what assumptions you believe that algorithms and social media platforms are making about what information you are most likely to be interested in. Are there certain types of ideas or themes that are recurring, and, by contrast, are there certain gaps in your knowledge that might occur if you were to use your phone as your dominant source of information?
expected quality indicators:
- Critical analysis of the assignment's subject, effective use of supporting evidence, appropriate referencing and citation style, clarity of organization, logic, syntax, and grammar.
- Application of theories learned in the course to discuss social impacts of technological change as well as own connections made to module topics, with unique perspectives on the lecture material.
- Active engagement with the module notes, assigned readings, and some supplementary reading material.
DO NOT cite any external sources only cite the papers attached to the assignment order.