Social Responsibility: A Michigan Minds Special Series
As social media platforms, websites, and online forums are widely accessible to the public, rules and regulations become a matter of contention—how can we filter disturbing content and prevent misinformation to create safe spaces while still practicing freedom of expression? There are many ethical dynamics to this conversation, including how children use digital platforms for education and socialization, characteristics that can predict negative online behavior, and the usage of social media during an international crisis. It is evident that the role of social integrity is not only the responsibility of the platform, but also the user.
This Michigan Minds special series features experts from the University of Michigan whose research explores various topics relating to safe usage of social media platforms and online spaces. From learning about how social platforms are reducing harmful content, to discussing the dangers of misinformation, listen to faculty and doctoral students as they outline the importance of practicing social responsibility as a digital user and share ways to practice social integrity.
Examining The Characteristics Of A ‘Cyberbully’
Song Mi Lee is a PhD student at the University of Michigan School of Information. Her research focuses on online harassment, disinformation, and misinformation on social media. She studies the idea of information literacy and how creating better platform environments for practicing information literacy can be part of a long term solution. She talks about a study co-authored with colleagues from UMSI and U-M Law School regarding online harassment, examining what psychological characteristics predicted how internet users behaved in aggressive online conflict.
Social Media Algorithms And The Infrastructure Of Disinformation
The research of Irene Pasquetto, Assistant Professor of Information at the U-M School of Information, focuses on issues of scientific disinformation and the ethics of information technologies and digital curation. She discusses her research on misinformation and disinformation, and social media algorithms.
The Responsibilities Of Social Media Platforms And Users
Scott Campbell is the Constance F. and Arnold C. Pohs Professor of Telecommunication in the Department of Communication and Media at the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research focuses on investigating how to change the dynamics between self and society in a digital context. He shares insight on how social media platforms are reducing disturbing content, ethical strategies users can practice online, and media mindedness.
How Social Media Usage & Online Navigation Change During A Crisis
Paul Resnick, is the Michael D. Cohen Collegiate Professor of Information at the U-M School of Information, where he also serves as the Director for the Center for Social Responsibility (CSMR). He talks about the use of social media during times of national crisis, the impact of digital search filters, and how users can stay informed about misinformation.
Exploring Digital Wellness With Kids And Parents
Liz Kolb, Clinical Associate Professor at the U-M School of Education joined Kristin Fontichiaro, Clinical Professor at the U-M School of Information, to share insight from the U-M Digital Wellness Symposium, which was held virtually on Saturday May 14, 2022. The symposium welcomed 6-8th grade children and their caregivers to learn and talk about healthy online behaviors.
Kolb and Fontichiaro emphasize the importance of caregivers having conversations about digital wellness and social media use with their children, and outline lessons that parents can learn about new technologies as well.
