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2017 #SMSociety Theme: Social Media for Social Good or Evil

Our online behaviour is far from virtual–it extends our offline lives. Much social media research has identified the positive opportunities of using social media; for example, how people use social media to form support groups online, participate in political uprising, raise money for charities, extend teaching and learning outside the classroom, etc. However, mirroring offline experiences, we have also seen social media being used to spread propaganda and misinformation, recruit terrorists, live stream criminal activities, reinforce echo chambers by politicians, and perpetuate hate and oppression (such as racist, sexist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic behaviour).

avatar for Barry Wellman

Barry Wellman

NetLab Network
Co-Director
Toronto
I'm involved in studying Networked Individualism-how Torontonians incorporate digital media into their everyday social networks; and Networked Work and Research-how coworkers collaborate in multiple teams, often far-flung. I've co-authored the double-award winner Networked: The New Social Operating System,. Currently studying how older adults use ICTs.. I've co-editing 2 journal issues about networks in East/SE Asia