Description

"Understanding Social Media Manipulation in Cybersecurity" offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic intersection between cybersecurity and social media manipulation. Covering historical contexts, key concepts, and practical case studies, this module provides a deep understanding of the evolving landscape in cybersecurity within the realm of social media.

Key Features:

1. Defining the Nexus of Cybersecurity and Social Media Manipulation:

  • Explore the relationship and historical significance.
  • Gain foundational knowledge in key terminology and concepts.

2. Social Media Fundamentals:

  • Examine the role of social media in society with a focus on historical development.
  • Analyze the power and reach of social platforms through the Arab Spring case study.

3. Types of Social Media Manipulation:

  • Categorize manipulative tactics, including emerging techniques like deepfakes.
  • Analyze real-world examples, such as the impact on the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.

4. Psychological Aspects of Social Media Manipulation:

  • Understand the psychology of persuasion and cognitive biases.
  • Analyze the spread of COVID-19 misinformation through a case study.

5. Social Media as an Information Battlefield:

  • Explore the weaponization of social media and its role in information warfare.
  • Analyze information dissemination speed using the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election case study.

6. State-Sponsored Social Media Manipulation:

  • Identify nation-state actors and their manipulative efforts.
  • Analyze Russia's involvement in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.

7. Detecting and Countering Social Media Manipulation:

  • Learn techniques for identification and understand responses from social media companies.
  • Explore the role of fact-checking using a case study on coordinated inauthentic behavior on Facebook.

8. Media Literacy and Education in the Digital Age:

  • Promote media literacy and critical thinking through educational initiatives.
  • Analyze Finland's media literacy education as a case study.

9. Ethical and Legal Considerations:

  • Discuss ethical dilemmas in countering manipulation.
  • Explore legal frameworks and regulations, balancing free speech and regulation.

10. Social Media Manipulation and the Future:

  • Investigate emerging trends, prepare for future threats, and discuss challenges and opportunities.
  • Analyze the anticipation of emerging trends using AI-powered technology.

Who This Course Is For:

  • Cybersecurity Professionals: Seeking to understand the interplay between cybersecurity and social media manipulation.
  • Digital Marketers: Interested in comprehending the impact of manipulation on online platforms.
  • Communication Specialists: Keen on understanding the complexities of information warfare in the digital age.
  • Policymakers: Wishing to formulate strategies for addressing social media manipulation.
  • Students: Pursuing studies in cybersecurity, digital marketing, communication, or related fields.

Course Outline