Social Media & Democracy Under Threat

This module invites you to critically explore the complex and evolving relationship between social media and democracy in today’s world. Each week, you will select the issues and stories that captivate you most—including the spread of misinformation, political polarization, the challenges of regulating online speech, algorithmic influence, digital activism, and the threats posed by bots and foreign interference (or anything else that catches your fancy). You will analyze real-world events, emerging trends, and diverse narratives to understand both the potential and the perils of social platforms for democratic practices. The module centers on open inquiry, group dialogue, and reflective thought pieces, encouraging you to synthesize research, news, and personal perspectives of yourself and fellow learners, as you consider solutions and the future of democracy in the digital age.

Your Instructor

Jesse Martin

Professor Martin is the founder and principle of Socelor. With decades of experience teaching, Dr. Martin took his background in cognitive psychology and developed a method of teaching that fosters the learning of ACEs with great success in his former university (Bangor University – Wales).