This course is an introduction to the study of the effects of the Internet and cyberspace on the psychology of individuals and the sociology of communities and groups. Some topics covered include: online identity in the age of the app, online and internet relationships, understanding communication and interaction in cyberspace, personality types in cyberspace, internet addiction, cyberbullying and other types of behavior in cyberspace, online gender roles and interactions etc; digital environments including, but not limited to, our engagement with various social media platforms; the cultural, social, and psychological impact of drones, the social-psychology of search engines, and distinguishing actions, thoughts, and behavior between the online and the offline world. We will cover current and future technologies and the impact it has on the overall meaning of being human. Some themes we will discuss, explore, and revisit are: Is there a distinction between the online world vs the offline world? How does the virtual-self compare to a traditional self? Is technology and cyberspace changing what it means to be human? How does technology and cyberspace shape our behavior, thoughts, words, and actions?
- Teacher: Narendra-Neel Khichi