The Dark Side of Online Communication

This course critically examines the darker dimensions of online communication and their implications for digital marketing, society, and democratic life. Students will explore how technological infrastructures, platform dependency, and algorithmic systems shape information flows, public discourse, and consumer behavior. Through the lens of digital ethics, critical media theory, and Canadian regulatory frameworks, the course investigates pressing challenges such as misinformation, data exploitation, online harassment, and the mental health consequences of digital environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding the power asymmetries between platforms, governments, and users, and the resulting tensions between business imperatives and social responsibility. The course integrates Canadian policy debates, with global case studies and emerging concerns around generative AI and synthetic media. Students will critically assess the role of digital marketers in navigating these complexities, developing ethical frameworks for practice while anticipating future risks. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to identify, analyze, and address the multifaceted risks of digital communication to foster more ethical, transparent, and sustainable digital marketing practices