Kursbeschreibung:
One of the core aspects of our sense of self is derived from belonging to a group, whether defined by gender, nationality, class, or even fandom. The rise of new media has brought this to a larger, globalised context, where algorithmically shaped media environments have the potential to amplify existing group dynamics.
In this course, we will examine inter- and intragroup interactions in new media through the lens of the social identity theory. We ask and critically discuss questions such as: How has social media transformed the way we express our identity? Has society really become more polarised, and what aspects of our media consumption may reflect this? How does the framing of news affect our perception of social minorities? What drives people to express hostility towards political groups online?
Together, we will engage with recent research, assess its applicability, and explore the real-world implications of these findings. Through group presentations of selected empirical studies, students will develop their capacity to apply a social-psychological lens to contemporary media environments and engage in critical scholarly discussion.
