About the lecture

In this module, we discuss the rise of social media. In particular, we will focus on: (i) how the various types of social media have gained popularity based on usage and geographic targeting; (ii) how social media displaces other forms of online communication, involving sharing of content on platforms; (iii) how Facebook, with over 3 billion monthly users, exemplifies the global expansion of social media; (iv) how there are two definitions of social media: web-based services for collaboration, user-generated content, connectivity, and interactivity, and a more complex definition that incorporates ideological and technological foundations; (v) how social media blurs lines between real and virtual, public and private, disrupting traditional definitions; (vi) how characteristics of online interaction include media richness and social consciousness; (vii) how social media platforms engineer connectivity, aiming to keep users online within walled gardens; and (viii) how platforms monetise data, demanding participation and exploiting users' need for connectivity.

About the lecturer

Adrian Hillman is Associate Lecturer in the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies at Goldsmith's, University of London. His present research interest covers the sociology of news, and the influence of polarisation and advocacy on news dissemination. His most recent work is engaged in exploring the intersection of social media and the dissemination of news directed at the political communication process.