VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Humans and Social Networks in the Digital Age
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:14
Abstract
The digital transformation profoundly impacts humans and how they behave online and offline. Interactions in online social networks offer new opportunities (e.g., political movements, global cultural diffusion) and risks (e.g., fake news). In this seminar, we examine recent sociological and psychological research on how the digital transformation affects individuals and their social behaviors.
Objective
By the end of this seminar, students will be able to identify and compare different approaches in (online) social network research. They will be familiar with recent publications in the fields of social networks and computational social science and be able to critically participate in a number of open debates in these fields. Among others, these debates are centered around the types and measurement of social behavior in online and offline settings, ethical challenges in conducting social networks research, the effects of the digital transformation on people’s feelings, thoughts, preferences, and behaviors (e.g., digital mental health), and how online social and cultural phenomena emerge (e.g., the diffusion of culture and the spread of social movements).
Content
The digital transformation has made the “online world” increasingly important for the “offline world”. Hence, interactions in online social networks ultimately affect how people feel, think, behave and interact in offline settings. This course aims to present and structure open debates in online and offline social network research with a focus on social network processes, individual outcomes, and emergent phenomena. By taking a social networks perspective, we view individuals and their behavior in online and offline settings as part of a larger social environment and social phenomena as emerging from interrelated social behavior.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Networks and Groups Dynamics |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
-
Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
-
-
Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
-
-