In recent years we’ve heard more and more about the negative aspects of social media. Trolling, personal attacks, lessening of attention spans, rumor mills, misinformation and fake news, etc. And all of it readily available to anyone with a phone, including children so young that they shouldn’t have phones at all.
Yet for reasons unfathomable, Arizona State University is now offering bachelor’s degrees in how to become an “influencer,” a person on social media who has become so popular that they actually make money by influencing others.
From ASU:
Do you dream of monetizing your video channel or making social media your career? Learn to create powerful content across video, podcasts, social media and emerging platforms while building your brand. With hands-on experiences in Phoenix, Los Angeles and online, you’ll master the art and science of digital influence.
Program description
The Bachelor of Arts program in content creation prepares you to become an influencer and strategic storyteller who thrives in the rapidly evolving creator economy. Program coursework emphasizes content planning, video and podcast production, global perspectives and personal branding.
Why? Why legitimize “personal branding” efforts on social media? Why recognize social media as a medium worthy of a college education?
Why not just offer a sound degree in journalism? Goodness knows we need more college-educated professional journalists. Of course, professional journalists are supposed to focus on presenting news and information to the public, not hyping their own popularity …
I noticed the “influencer” degree is being offered through ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Cronkite must be rolling in his grave.
“spinning” in his grave …
That too. And also “turning”
Absolutely disgraceful !!! Talk about tertiary education selling its soul, Colorado … 🙁
unreal. I so don’t want this to be true yet fear it really is