Psychological Impacts of Social Media Recently Updated

Have you ever wondered how social media is affecting your emotions, your identity, and even your mental health? In this course, you’ll embark on a six-week journey to explore the complex psychological forces behind our digital interactions. 

Explore the Forces Shaping Our Digital Lives

Social media is everywhere. It shapes how we connect, think, and make decisions. But have you ever wondered how it’s truly affecting your emotions, your identity, and even your mental health? In The Psychological Impacts of Social Media: Culture, Identity, and Mental Health, you’ll embark on a six-week journey to explore the complex psychological forces behind our digital interactions.  This course offers a unique opportunity to develop a critical, research-based understanding of social media’s psychological and cultural effects. Equip yourself with the knowledge to engage with social media in a way that fosters emotional well-being, digital safety, and personal growth.

This online, asynchronous course combines discussion forums, readings, and a collaborative project where students apply insights from class to a mock social media account. Rather than teaching production mechanics, the course emphasizes critical analysis of how influence, identity, and digital culture shape our online experiences.

What You'll Learn:

How Social Media Shapes Emotions and IdentityDiscover how our digital lives influence our feelings, decisions, and sense of self. Learn to recognize the emotional and psychological impact social media can have, and how to manage it in a healthy way.The Rise of Influencer CultureExplore the phenomenon of influencer culture and its pervasive effects on society. From beauty standards to consumer trends, uncover how influencers shape everything from self-image to the public discourse.Social Media, Mental Health, and Well-BeingExamine the delicate balance between social media and mental health. Investigate both the positive aspects of digital connection and the risks, like anxiety and social comparison, that can arise from constant online engagement.Critical Thinking About Digital SafetyLearn essential skills for staying safe in the digital world. This module empowers you with the tools to protect your privacy, recognize digital manipulation, and engage in online spaces thoughtfully.