The world is full of disinformation and misinformation, much of it spread by social media. So why not just get off of social media altogether? Wouldn't democracy be better for it?

Ethan Zuckerman makes the case that for all its flaws, social media serves legitimate social purposes, and can make democracy better if we approach it right.

READ:

Six or Seven Things Media Literacy Can Do For Democracy

CONSIDER:

Come to class prepared to discuss the following questions. Depending on your teacher's preference there may also be a quiz.

1. What were some of the problems of old media?
2. How did people hope social media might solve these problems?
3. What are Zuckerman's seven functions of social media? For which functions do you value it most? Least?