Digital tools like social media are increasingly used to influence public opinion, not just for advertising but also for legal and illegal political purposes. Researchers are asked to demonstrate an independent and mature analysis of how influence campaigns operate online, the tools and techniques they employ, their effectiveness, and how to counter them, discussing at what point such practices could go too far in western democracies.

1. Cyber’s Role In Influencing Society
Background: Digital tools such as social media platforms, have been used to influence
citizen mindsets for traditional advertising and marketing purposes, but also more recently,
for both legal and (purported) illegal political purposes and disinformation. Guiding
Questions: Do you agree with this sentiment? Why? What are the tools and techiques used
to facilitate such activities, and by whom? Are they effective? If so, how can they be
countered? Is there a point where such practices can go ‘too far’ in their use within western
societies? Research Expectations • Higher level of analysis than at undergraduate • Move
away from ‘talking about a subject’ to discussing a subject • Demonstrate independent
thought • Not simply repeating accepted opinion or facts – you need to be able to debate
and/or challenge accepted information • More mature understanding of field and
confidence to speak about it • This is not a “retelling of facts.#Cybers #Role #Influencing
#Society