Events

31 July – 11 August 2017, Aarhus

In this course, participants will explore the topic of digital living by reading and discussing key issues, concepts, and theories of identity in digital contexts. Attitudes about social media and the forms of social life that emerge with them range from enthusiastic to suspicious. Scholars discuss the issues in different ways.

On the one hand, we benefit greatly from our connection to technologies. People can experiment with new personae, new social communities. We have access to more information than ever before, which allows us to acquire more in-depth knowledge, if we seek it out.

On the other hand, the “always on” state of the mobile internet (smart phones, e.g.) plus the rise of social networking sites (Facebook and Twitter, e.g.) prompts many critiques. Are we better off? What happens when our everyday activities via the internet are under surveillance? How do the algorithms of Google influence what we are exposed to? The course will take up these questions and issues.

Students will read contributions from internationally leading scholars in order to investigate ‘digital living’ and the opportunities and challenges that come with social media and the internet.

Further information here