Learning objectives
The main objective of this course is to provide the basic tools to think critically about digital media and platforms, their historical roots, their changing nature, and their relationship with traditional media.
The perspective adopted is that of sociology of communication as a privileged lens for analysing the relationship between digital media and society in the constant dialectic between technological determinism and social constructivism.
At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to discuss critically on the impact that digital media exert not only on the lives of single individuals but also at an organisational level, significantly modifying the value system that innervates society.
Prerequisites
None.
Course unit content
The course aims to shed light on the complex entanglements between traditional and digital media and deconstruct the “founding myths” of the web.
The course focuses on the processes of digitalisation and platformisation and how they are profoundly changing our societies, posing challenges to the value system on which the idea of public service has historically been built in Europe.
The course then addresses the change affecting political organisations in the age of platforms, focusing in particular on the new models of organisation and participation of digital parties.
Finally, the course discusses the material dimension of artificial intelligence-based systems by highlighting their costs in environmental and social terms.
Full programme
The course will focus on the genesis and evolution of major digital media (computers, internet, smartphones), then dwelling on the digitalization of analog media (changes in production, distribution and consumption models) and the distinctive features of digital media.
Next, it will outline the contours of the current ecosystem of digital platforms, which is characterized by significant power asymmetries and dependency relationships that sectoral platforms suffer vis-à-vis the infrasctructural platforms which constitute the heart of the platform society.
A specific attention will be devoted to the topic of digital parties, marked by elements such as the presence of “hyperleaders” and “superbases” and a “participationist” ideology, with a specific focus on the Italian and Spanish case.
Finally, we will look at the consequences of the development of artificial intelligence-based systems, discussing their implications from the point of view of environmental impact, threat to workers' rights and to users' freedom, equality and privacy.
Bibliography
Balbi, G., Magaudda, P., 2024. Media digitali. La storia, i contesti sociali, le narrazioni. Roma-Bari: Laterza (2021, III rist. 2024).
Crawford, K., 2021, Né Intelligenza né artificiale. Il lato oscuro della IA. Il Mulino, Bologna.
Gerbaudo, P., 2020, Il partito digitale, Bologna, Il Mulino.
Van Dijck, J., Poell, T., De Waal, M., 2019, Platform society. Valori pubblici e società connessa, Milano, Guerini (only pagg. 9-102).
Teaching methods
Lectures with constant involvement of students in discussions and presentations on topical issues related to the teaching content.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students' assessment will be based on a 50-minute written test with three open-ended questions and six closed-ended questions. Open questions may be awarded up to 10 points; closed questions are worth half a point. Attending students who present their work in classroom may be awarded an additional mark (up to a maximum of 3 points) on top of their written examination grade. The grade for the exam will be announced within 2 weeks. Please note that online registration for the exam on Esse3 is compulsory.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
The course will focus on the issue of the (in)sustainability of the digital platform ecosystem.
