Civility Week Continues Theme Imagine Social Media Conscience

The Spring Civility Week, to be held February 13-17, 2023, expands and deepens the Fall Semester’s theme Imagine Social Media Conscience.

By Dr. Ave Latte of the Education Department, Instructional Designer Stephen M. Fowler of the Teaching and Learning Center, and Dr. William J. Ryan of the Languages and ESL Department.

Social media allows us to interact with others, becoming part of global communities in ways previously unknown in history. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok are shaping collective perceptions of ourselves, others, and the world. Social media creators and users often establish and maintain positive connections through these platforms. Such affiliations and affirmations can contribute to a sense of community and a greater common good.

However, there are increasing concerns regarding the practices of social media platforms and their effects.

The presentations and discussions of Civility Week in the Spring Semester of 2023 seek to closely examine social media’s impact in the following and other areas:

• The ways in which global social media platforms allow for marginalized communities to be seen and heard
• Legal and political issues that consider limitations on and protections of individuals’ rights to freedom of expression in view of broader sociological constellations and the common good
• Issues relating to the manipulation of social media algorithms in ways that may enable actors in the private sector and in governments to monitor citizens’ behavior and interfere in privacy rights
• Consideration of how the functioning of algorithms may encourage the proliferation and amplification of hate speech and violent ideas on social media platforms
• The future of social media in the direction of civility

Join us for another stimulating week of presentations and discussions. Events to look forward to are: “Who Follows Who,” presented by the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center; The Great Firewall: How the Chinese Government Censors Information and Free Expression; Social Monitoring Implications for Freedom of Expression and the Call for Social Media Regulations; Global Citizenship Student Presentation: Does Social Media Allow Free Speech Everywhere?; Freedom of Expression and the Constitution of the United States; Living Room Conversation Series; and Pushing and Pulling: Media as Medium. Link to the full schedule.

Civility, in behavior, action, and policy, provides the foundation for the reconstruction of the values of democracy in this emergent landscape of social interaction here and around the world.

REGISTER HERE

The Brookdale Community College’s Civility Statement is as follows:
Brookdale Community College is committed to freedom of expression while maintaining a civil and ethical learning environment. We believe that a community composed of people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities promotes learning and engagement. We are responsible for treating one another with respect and kindness regardless of our differences.

The Civility Research Guide created by Theresa Agostinelli provides links to books, articles, websites, videos, and databases related to civility. The LibGuide supports presentation topics and Open Conversation events. LINK TO Spring Civility Week LibGuide