https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_PBEMUUpon completion of the course, the student is able to:Answer questions from both scientists and non-scientists about the problems and benefits of (new) media use (like internet addiction, cyberbullying, or social online capital) in a competent and scientifically appropriate way.Competently discuss which of the common worries about the Internet and video games are justified, and which are not – based on the latest scientific insights;Give competent advice about beneficial and problematic effects of new media;Develop, based on the discussion of empirical studies, a more analytical and critical attitude towards the way knowledge is generated within social scientific research, both theoretically and methodologicallyIf a new medium enters society it raises concerns and public debates. Some people are euphoric and optimistic, but many fear the new medium will result in a cultural decline. Currently, we see the same debates evolving around AI or ChatGPT, Virtual Reality or the metaverse, or Social Robots (and before these: the book, comic books, film, video games, personal computers, the Internet...). We are also still very much debating the pros and cons of social media in society. Students and researchers in both Communication Science and Media Psychology are in charge to provide empirically substantiated answers to concerned parents, teachers, and policy makers. So what do we really know to date about the potentially problematic effects of new media? The course Problematic and Beneficial Effects of Media Use (PBMU) will highlight both problems and benefits that may be caused by new media, in particular by discussing the existing empirical evidence. More specifically, we will take a closer look at topics such as cyberbullying, cyberslacking, cyberchondria, online dating, pornography, Virtual Reality, and relationships between (new) media use and loneliness or well-being. You will also work on assignments within groups.Lectures and workgroupsIndividual multiple-choice examination (70%) and group assignments (30%).Prior to each session, you will have to carefully study some articles related to the topic of the forthcoming session. The related obligatory readings will be announced on Canvas prior to each session. The obligatory readings will be available via URLs as PDFs on the internet. In addition, the PowerPoint slides of each session will be made available on Canvas after each session.Master students Communication Science, track Media Psychology. Master students Pedagogy (Pediatrics), Education, HCI, CMC, and others are welcome.The class will be entirely run in English, including the lectures, correspondence, assessments, and assignments. Foreign exchange students are very welcome. There are no obligatory requirements. But: We will discuss a lot of empirical studies, so you should already have a good knowledge about empirical social sciences, particularly about experiments, surveys (maybe panel-designs), and the way we report and interpret statistical results. You should be able to read and understand methods and results sections in empirical English journal articles. We appreciate if you show a reflective and participative attitude in the class. Speaking about interest and motivation, it is helpful if you are both puzzled and inspired by (media)psychological issues that you observe in your everyday life. Presence in the workgroups is mandatory.