Rationale

In response to the increasing significance and added value of electronic media for younger age groups, this course aims to examine the various effects and risks that digital media technologies pose upon the younger generations. The course also analyses how communication, self-identity, relationships and knowledge are shaped and developed by intense media use, especially among the youngsters. Additionally, the students will have the opportunity to critically engage with the different policy issues and ethical implications that are relevant to internet media attachment.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Explain the main theories and concepts relevant to the relationship between youth culture and internet-based media.
(ii)   Describe the ways in which youth culture is both shaped and represented by digital media.
(iii)  Discuss the various socio-political, cultural, emotional and psychological effects and challenges of intense use of digital technologies by the youngsters. 
(iv)  Examine how both self-identity and online identity are constantly being developed and altered through the individual’s attachment to online media technologies.
(v)   Evaluate contemporary relationships and intimacy as being developed by online social networks.
(vi)  Define the concept of digital media literacy and its positive and negative impact on education and specifically, e-learning.
(vii) Assess the role of digital technology in entertainment and social expression.
(viii) Analyse legal and ethical perspectives related to risk and safety issues within the Internet.