We are constantly talking to each other on social media and messaging apps. Online environments are shaping the very things we do with our words—the ‘speech acts’ we perform. This gives rise to a host of questions about the nature of speech online. What are we doing when we re-post content? What happens when we lose control of our own words in online environments? How do audience reaction buttons shape the nature of online speech? When is counter-speech healthy and when is it a vicious pile-on? Are there harms specific to online hate speech? How should social media companies moderate online speech?

In this module, we will consider such questions using the tools of speech act theory, a philosophical framework for understanding the actions we perform when speaking. In the first part of the module, we will analyse the distinctive features of online speech acts. In the second part, we will analyse the distinctive ways in which online speech acts can be harmful and what should be done about this problem.

• MLO1: Critically analyse theoretical frameworks for understanding the distinctive features of online speech acts.
• MLO2: Critically analyse arguments concerning the distinctive harms of online speech acts.
• MLO3: Address a complex philosophical issue with systematic arguments in writing.

The module will be delivered through face-to-face large group and small group teaching, supported where relevant through online materials.

In addition to the skills formally assessed in this module, you will also practice and develop the abilities to:

• Approach complex problems with an open mind and take account of the views of others
• Take initiative in developing your own ideas and critical responses to problems
• Successfully act on constructive formative feedback
• Contribute in a collaborative manner to group discussions
• Implement task instructions and manage workloads effectively to meet deadlines

Summative assessment:

• Essay 1 (2,000 words, 50%) (MLO1, MLO3)
• Essay 2 (2,000 words, 50%) (MLO2, MLO3)

Formative assessment:

• General guidance will be provided for all assessments.
• You will be provided with individual formative feedback on an essay outline of no more than 500 words for one essay assessment.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

• Reassessment for written components will be of the same format as the original assessment.

Opportunities for re-assessment are only permitted provided you have not failed more credits than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credits you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

In this module you will use tools from the philosophy of language to analyse the distinctive features of online speech acts and the distinctive ways that these can be harmful. In the first part of the module this will include discussion of the expressive features of online speech, such as signal boosting, click-baiting, and the constraints imposed by reaction buttons. In the second part of the module, you will explore such ethical issues as hate speech, threats, and pile-ons in online environments.