Overview

Class Central Tips

In the "Online Influence and Persuasion" course, learners will explore the intricate dynamics of social media through the lens of Social Network Analysis (SNA). This course is designed to equip you with essential skills to analyze how social media influences behaviors, perceptions, and organizational structures. By mastering key SNA measures and clustering techniques, you will uncover valuable insights into network subgroups and social forces. What sets this course apart is its comprehensive approach to understanding online influence, including the neurobiological aspects of social media addiction and the interplay between misinformation and persuasion. You will gain hands-on experience managing social media data through APIs, enabling you to extract, transform, and analyze data effectively. By the end of this course, you will not only understand the theoretical foundations of online influence and persuasion but also acquire practical skills that can be applied in various contexts, from marketing to behavioral research. This unique combination of theory and practice will prepare you to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and make data-driven decisions that can enhance organizational effectiveness.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this course, you will explore the practical applications of machine learning through hands-on modules covering data pre-processing, feature extraction, model evaluation, and supervised learning techniques. Delve into specialized topics such as computer vision and learn to implement and assess various machine learning models. This course combines theoretical insights with practical lab activities to equip you with essential skills in applied machine learning.

Social Media Analytics Introduction

In this module, you will delve into Social Network Analysis (SNA), mastering the calculation of key SNA measures and understanding their significance in organizational behavior. You will also learn to cluster network subgroups to uncover structural insights. You will explore statistical tests tailored for analyzing social forces within networks, equipping you to interpret and apply SNA findings effectively in various contexts.

Online Influence and Persuasion

In this module, you will delve into Online Influence and Persuasion, exploring the complexities of social media dynamics. You will understand the counter-intuitive nature of influence and the interplay between disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, and propaganda. Gain insights into social media addiction from a neurobiological perspective and examine common theories of influence and persuasion, moderated within online contexts. Additionally, you will explore platform manipulation and the role of recommender systems in shaping online behaviors and perceptions.

Network Conformity and Fake News

In this module, you will explore the dynamics of influence, network conformity, and cognitive biases in online environments. You will also understand how network conformity shapes beliefs and behaviors and examine the phenomenon of majority illusion. You will 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.

Data and APIs

In this module, you will gain practical expertise in managing social media data through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). You will learn to extract, transform, and load data from various platforms for comprehensive analysis, integrating external data sources to enrich your analytical capabilities and insights.