COMM 114S: Psychological Effects of Emerging Media & AI

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to understanding how emerging media technologies like social media, smartphones, algorithms, and artificial intelligence affect our world. Specifically, we will explore how our experiences with technology affect our psychological well-being and mental health, and the informational well-being of our communities. From social media's effect on body image to the proliferation of AI-generated online misinformation on politics, the goal of this class is to help you apply key theories from research in communication and media psychology to better understand real-world phenomena regarding the role of technology on well-being. We will examine the interpersonal and psychological effects of emerging media, including on mental health, mental illness, relationships, misinformation, political polarization, and online conflict.