Master the dynamic world of social media through comprehensive exploration of its evolution, impact, and future. This course equips you with critical thinking skills to analyze social media platforms, understand their theoretical foundations, and navigate digital spaces responsibly.

Online Social Media

Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Basic understanding of internet usage and familiarity with common social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Basic understanding of internet usage and familiarity with common social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
What you'll learn
Analyze social media platforms using foundational theories including Uses and Gratification Theory and Media Ecology Theory.
Navigate digital identity, privacy, and ethical challenges while implementing cybersecurity practices for responsible social media use.
Evaluate social media's impact on society, communication, and employment to leverage platforms for career advancement effectively.
Apply safety strategies and promote positive online behavior to create inclusive digital communities and combat cyberbullying.
Skills you'll gain
- Digital Communications
- Social Media Strategy
- digital literacy
- Professional Networking
- Social Network Analysis
- Social Media Management
- Communication
- Cybersecurity
- Safety and Security
- Ethical Standards And Conduct
- Social Media Marketing
- Professional Development
- Social Media
- Content Creation
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Media Strategy
- Media and Communications
Details to know

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November 2025
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There are 10 modules in this course
The "Humans are Social Media" module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social media's etymology and its significance in the modern world. Students will explore the evolution from early platforms to the birth of modern socoial media, understanding the drawbacks of early social networking. By the end, students will have a nuanced perspective on the historical development, importance, and challenges associated with social media, enabling them to engage in informed discussions about its role in society.
What's included
13 videos7 readings7 assignments
13 videos• Total 80 minutes
- Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Basavadatta Mitra• 3 minutes
- Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Saikishor Jangiti• 2 minutes
- Online Social Media - Course Introductory Video• 4 minutes
- Unraveling the Etymology of Social Media• 2 minutes
- Unraveling the Origins of a Digital Phenomenon• 6 minutes
- Exploring the Impact and Influence of Social Media – Part 1• 7 minutes
- Exploring the Impact and Influence of Social Media – Part 2• 7 minutes
- Predecessors of Social Media• 8 minutes
- Origins of Online Socialising• 10 minutes
- Old to New Social Media• 7 minutes
- The Birth of Modern Social Media• 9 minutes
- Exploring the Challenges of Early Social Media Platforms• 9 minutes
- The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networking• 7 minutes
7 readings• Total 110 minutes
- Course Overview• 10 minutes
- Course Structure & Critical Information• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Unraveling the Etymology of Social Media• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Unveiling the Significance of Social Media in Our World• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Tracing the Origins of Online Socialising• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Old to New Social Media• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networking• 10 minutes
7 assignments• Total 210 minutes
- Unraveling the Etymology of Social Media• 30 minutes
- Unveiling the Significance of Social Media in our World• 30 minutes
- Tracing the Origins of Online Socialising• 30 minutes
- Old to New Social Media• 30 minutes
- The Perils Encountered in Early Social Networking• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Humans are Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Humans are Social Media• 30 minutes
Students who complete the "The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media" module will receive a brief introduction to the leading social media platforms. The module's coverage of discussion forums, media sharing, professional networking, microblogging, and sharing of visual information attempts to provide students with an understanding of the distinctive qualities and contributions of each. Students will be thoroughly aware of the varied social media environment by the end, allowing them to interact efficiently with the constantly changing online platforms.
What's included
10 videos5 readings7 assignments
10 videos• Total 56 minutes
- Microblogging Platforms - Part 1• 5 minutes
- Microblogging Platforms - Part 2• 3 minutes
- Media Sharing Networks - Part 1• 8 minutes
- Media Sharing Networks - Part 2• 5 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forums - Part 1• 8 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forums - Part 2• 5 minutes
- Visual Content Sharing - Part 1• 6 minutes
- Visual Content Sharing - Part 2• 5 minutes
- Messaging Apps - Part 1• 6 minutes
- Messaging Apps - Part 2• 4 minutes
5 readings• Total 210 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Microblogging Platforms• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Media Sharing Networks• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Professional Networking and Discussion Forums• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Visual Content Sharing• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Messaging Apps• 10 minutes
7 assignments• Total 210 minutes
- Microblogging Platforms• 30 minutes
- Media Sharing Networks• 30 minutes
- Professional Networking and Discussion Forums• 30 minutes
- Visual Content Sharing• 30 minutes
- Messaging Apps• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Clicking Through Time: The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Clicking Through Time: The Evolution and Diversity of Social Media• 30 minutes
The "Social Theory" module explores various theories interlinked with social media. The module goes through theories such as Uses and gratification theory, Diffusion of innovation theory and media ecology theory. This module offers a comprehensive exploration of social theory, providing students with a foundational understanding of the various perspectives, concepts, and debates that shape our understanding of society.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videos• Total 44 minutes
- Introduction to Social Media Theory• 9 minutes
- Social Network Theory• 6 minutes
- Uses and Gratifications Theory• 5 minutes
- Social Identity Theory• 5 minutes
- Diffusion of Innovations Theory• 5 minutes
- Cultural Hegemony Theory• 5 minutes
- Media Ecology Theory• 5 minutes
- Social Construction of Technology Theory• 5 minutes
4 readings• Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Social Media Theory• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Uses and Gratifications Theory• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Diffusion of Innovations Theory• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Media Ecology Theory• 50 minutes
6 assignments• Total 180 minutes
- Social Media Theory• 30 minutes
- Uses and Gratifications Theory• 30 minutes
- Diffusion of Innovations Theory• 30 minutes
- Media Ecology Theory• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Social Theory• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Social Theory• 30 minutes
The "Social Media Reality" module aims to give students a critical perspective on key aspects of social media. Students will explore the ideologies shaping content and interactions, critically assess exploitation instances, and examine access disparities across demographics. The module also delves into the interconnected growth of social media with the popularity of the internet. By the end, students will be equipped with insights to navigate the complex landscape of social media, fostering a critical understanding of its impact on society.
What's included
6 videos3 readings5 assignments
6 videos• Total 31 minutes
- Ideologies and Opinion Polarisation• 5 minutes
- Echo Chambers and Opinion Amplification• 6 minutes
- Exploitation and Terrorism• 4 minutes
- Exploitation in Crime• 4 minutes
- Access in the 1990s and 2000s - Part 1• 6 minutes
- Access in the 1990s and 2000s - Part 2• 5 minutes
3 readings• Total 150 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Ideologies• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Exploitation• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Access to Social Media• 50 minutes
5 assignments• Total 150 minutes
- Ideologies• 30 minutes
- Exploitation• 30 minutes
- Access to Social Media• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Social Media Reality• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Social Media Reality• 30 minutes
The "Identity, Once an Elusive Concept" module provides students with a concise exploration of personal identity in the digital age. It covers the complexities of online and offline identity, the influence of algorithms on digital lock-in, strategies for managing digital overuse, and the prevalence of cyberbullying. The module also delves into the intricacies of privacy in the digital era. By the end, students will gain a critical understanding of these key aspects, enabling them to navigate the complexities of personal identity in today's interconnected world.
What's included
10 videos5 readings7 assignments
10 videos• Total 80 minutes
- Exploring Identities in the Digital Age• 10 minutes
- Who are you? Online? Offline? Across Modalities• 10 minutes
- The Algorithm Basis• 5 minutes
- Understanding the Mechanism and Implications• 7 minutes
- Addressing Addiction and Overuse• 13 minutes
- Striking a Balance in the Digital Age• 6 minutes
- Understanding and Combating Online Harassment• 7 minutes
- Preventing and Combating Online Harassment• 7 minutes
- A Tangled Issue• 8 minutes
- Exploring the Complexities of Personal Privacy• 7 minutes
5 readings• Total 250 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Who are you Across Modalities• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Lock In: The Algorithm Basis• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Opting Out• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Devil is in the Default• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Privacy• 50 minutes
7 assignments• Total 210 minutes
- Who are you Across Modalities• 30 minutes
- Lock In: The Algorithm Basis• 30 minutes
- Opting Out• 30 minutes
- Devil is in the Default• 30 minutes
- Privacy• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Identity, Once an Elusive Concept• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Identity, Once an Elusive Concept• 30 minutes
The "Ethics of Social Media" module delves into the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use and impact of social media platforms in contemporary society. It explores the multifaceted intersection of technology, communication, and ethics, aiming to equip participants with a critical understanding of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the digital realm.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videos• Total 39 minutes
- Data Ethics• 6 minutes
- Privacy Ethics• 5 minutes
- Content Integrity-1• 6 minutes
- Content Integrity-2• 4 minutes
- User Interaction• 5 minutes
- User Well-Being• 4 minutes
- Community and Societal Impact-1• 4 minutes
- Community and Societal Impact-2• 5 minutes
4 readings• Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Data and Privacy Ethics• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Content Integrity• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: User Interaction and Well-Being• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Community and Societal Impact• 50 minutes
6 assignments• Total 180 minutes
- Data and Privacy Ethics• 30 minutes
- Content Integrity• 30 minutes
- User Interaction and Well-Being• 30 minutes
- Community and Societal Impact• 30 minutes
- Lets Practice: Ethics of Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Ethics of Social Media• 30 minutes
The "Towards a Truly Social Media" module explores social media dynamics. Students analyze the need vs. want for social media, examine 2021 demographic trends, and assess social media's response to COVID-19. The module prompts anticipation of future trends, fostering a critical understanding of social media's evolving role. Students gain insights into motivations, demographics, and potential developments in this dynamic landscape.
What's included
6 videos3 readings5 assignments
6 videos• Total 34 minutes
- Origin Evolution and Emergence - Part 1• 6 minutes
- Origin Evolution and Emergence - Part 2• 6 minutes
- The Role of Social Media in Disseminating COVID-19 Information• 6 minutes
- How Social Media Platforms Fueled Connection During the COVID-19 Pandemic• 5 minutes
- Shaping the Future Landscape• 4 minutes
- Predictions and Projections for the Next Decade• 7 minutes
3 readings• Total 150 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Need Vs Want of Social Media• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Response to Covid-19 Crisis• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Future of Social Media• 50 minutes
5 assignments• Total 150 minutes
- Need Vs Want of Social Media• 30 minutes
- Response to Covid-19 Crisis• 30 minutes
- Future of Social Media• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Towards a Truly Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Towards a Truly Social Media• 30 minutes
The "Employment in Social Media" module explores the dynamic landscape of employment through social media, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage these platforms effectively in their job search and career advancement.
What's included
8 videos4 readings6 assignments
8 videos• Total 56 minutes
- Introduction to Employment through Social Media• 8 minutes
- Job Seeking• 9 minutes
- Personal Branding on Social Media• 7 minutes
- Recruiting on Social Media• 8 minutes
- Freelancing• 4 minutes
- Gig Work• 5 minutes
- Social Media to Enhance Businesses• 9 minutes
- Effects of Marketing with Social Media• 7 minutes
4 readings• Total 200 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Obtaining Employment Through Social Media• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Employment in Social Media• 50 minutes
- Recommended Readings: Self-Employment through Social Media• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Marketing Using Social Media• 50 minutes
6 assignments• Total 180 minutes
- Obtaining Employment through Social Media• 30 minutes
- Employment in Social Media• 30 minutes
- Self-Employment through Social Media• 30 minutes
- Marketing Using Social Media• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Employment in Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Employment in Social Media• 30 minutes
In this module, you will delve into the various concerns surrounding social media use. Explore concepts such as privacy, authenticity, informed consent, and anonymity, gaining an understanding of the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Analyse real-world examples of these concerns in social media interactions. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital challenges you may encounter on social media platforms and will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate them effectively.
What's included
10 videos10 readings4 assignments
10 videos• Total 96 minutes
- Privacy Concerns• 18 minutes
- Authenticity• 9 minutes
- Informed Consent• 7 minutes
- Anonymity• 8 minutes
- Case Study• 9 minutes
- Cyberbullying• 9 minutes
- Phishing and Scams• 5 minutes
- Content Moderation• 8 minutes
- Mental Health Impact• 7 minutes
- Case Study• 16 minutes
10 readings• Total 500 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Privacy Concerns• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Authenticity• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Informed Consent• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Anonymity• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Study• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Cyberbullying• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Phishing and Scams• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Content Moderation• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Mental Health Impact• 50 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Study• 50 minutes
4 assignments• Total 108 minutes
- Understanding Privacy and Authenticity• 24 minutes
- Addressing Risks and Ensuring Safety• 24 minutes
- Let's Practice: Exploring Digital Concerns in Social Media• 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Exploring Digital Concerns in Social Media• 30 minutes
In this module, you will focus on strategies to ensure safety while using social media platforms and promote positive online behavior within digital communities. Through interactive activities and discussions, you will explore cybersecurity practices, seek support networks for addressing online safety concerns, engage in digital advocacy efforts, and demonstrate resilience in navigating challenging online environments. By the end of the module, you will be empowered to navigate social media platforms safely and responsibly, contributing to a positive digital culture and advocating for online safety within your communities.
What's included
10 videos11 readings4 assignments
10 videos• Total 81 minutes
- Secure Password Management• 13 minutes
- Responsible Sharing• 6 minutes
- Digital Footprint• 8 minutes
- Online Etiquette• 5 minutes
- Case Study• 6 minutes
- Seeking Help• 8 minutes
- Peer Support• 7 minutes
- Digital Advocacy• 14 minutes
- Community Engagement• 9 minutes
- Case Study• 5 minutes
11 readings• Total 110 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Secure Password Management• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Responsible Sharing• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Digital Footprint• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Online Etiquette• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Study• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Seeking Help• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Peer Support• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Digital Advocacy• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Community Engagement• 10 minutes
- Recommended Reading: Case Study• 10 minutes
- Course Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 120 minutes
- Cybersecurity Practices and Digital Citizenship• 30 minutes
- Building Support Networks and Advocacy• 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Ensuring Safety and Promoting Positive Behavior • 30 minutes
- Test Yourself: Ensuring Safety and Promoting Positive Behavior • 30 minutes
Instructor

Offered by

Offered by

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is one of only ten private universities in India to be recognised as an Institute of Eminence by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. It has been consistently ranked high by both governmental and private ranking agencies for its innovative processes and capabilities that have enabled it to impart quality education and emerge as the best private science and engineering institute in India. BITS Pilani has four international campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai, and has been offering bachelor's, master’s, and certificate programmes for over 58 years, helping to launch the careers for over 1,00,000 professionals.
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