Overview

The course, "Introduction to Social Computing" offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between technology and society, equipping learners with essential skills in social media analytics and influence. By covering a range of topics from data pre-processing to feature extraction and model evaluation, students will gain practical experience in applying machine learning techniques to real-world social media scenarios. Through hands-on modules, learners will delve into the dynamics of socio-technical systems and responsible AI, understanding how digital platforms shape human interactions and behaviors. The unique combination of theoretical insights and practical applications prepares students to navigate the complexities of social media, including analyzing firestorms and mitigating misinformation. What sets this course apart is its focus on gamification and cognitive biases in online environments, providing students with innovative strategies to enhance user engagement and promote critical thinking. Whether you are looking to advance your career in tech or simply understand the social implications of technology, this course will empower you to effectively analyze and leverage social computing in today’s digital landscape.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The Introduction to Social Computing course explores the intersection of technology and social behavior. It covers fundamental concepts such as social computing, crowdsourcing, and human computation. Students will delve into social media dynamics, including platform manipulation and data limitations, and examine the effects of network conformity and cognitive biases on online behavior. Additionally, the course highlights the history and impact of gamification, demonstrating how game design can enhance social computing applications.

Introduction to Social Computing

In this module, you’ll explore the fundamentals of socio-technical systems and responsible AI in the context of digital platforms. You’ll define social media analytics and delve into structure-based versus content-based analysis methods. You’ll also understand the role of social media and information in influencing and manipulating populations, providing a foundational understanding of how digital technologies shape societal interactions and behaviors.

Social Media

In this module, you’ll get an in-depth exploration of social media platforms, focusing on high-level analytics, legal issues, and the impact of firestorms. You’ll be able to define what constitutes social media and examine how it influences modern communication. Learn about social media firestorms, their rapid escalation, and the implications for users and organizations. Explore social media platform manipulation and the challenges associated with collecting and analyzing data, enhancing your understanding of digital communication landscapes.

Network Conformity and Fake News

In this module, you’ll explore the dynamics of influence, network conformity, and cognitive biases in online environments. You’ll also understand how network conformity shapes beliefs and behaviors, and examine the phenomenon of majority illusion. You’ll also explore the neural basis of persuasion and the impact of cognitive biases on online interactions, equipping you with insights into combating disinformation and promoting critical thinking in digital spaces.

Games and Gamification

In this module, you'll explore the evolution and application of gamification in social computing. You’ll learn about the history of gamification and its impact on engagement. You’ll also understand how game design principles enhance the usability and effectiveness of social computing applications. You’ll explore research in applied game design, equipping you with practical insights into leveraging gamification to enhance user motivation and interaction.