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An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media

"Doug Campbell lays out a comprehensive and fair-minded account of both the benefits and the drawbacks of social media for our era. He attaches these evaluations to both the individual and to society as a whole. The case studies are compelling and exhibit a keen awareness of the current moment. How should we live, now that many or even most of us are at least partially online? Campbell addresses this question from the point of view of privacy, attention, politics, misinformation, online ostracism, online friendship, and the potential benefits of simply quitting social media or at least some of its more pernicious platforms. Along the way, Campbell ties his discussions back to philosophical concerns raised by Plato, Aristotle, and Xunzi, among others. He also connects his discussion with recent work in feminist philosophy. And each chapter concludes with a succinct definition of key terms and suggested case studies and discussion topics that will engage students at all levels. An impressive accomplishment, and one that deserves a place in the classroom." 
—Mark Alfano, Macquarie University

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An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media

Douglas R. Campbell

September 2025 - 224 pp.

Table of Contents & Introduction Sample: (PDF download)

Instructors: If you would like to consider this title as a course text, use this form to request a free print or eBook examination copy.

Ebook edition available for $16.50, see purchasing links below.

Grouped product items
Format ISBN Price Qty
Paper 978-1-64792-235-1
$18.00
Instructor Examination (Review) Copy 978-1-64792-235-1
$4.00

"Doug Campbell lays out a comprehensive and fair-minded account of both the benefits and the drawbacks of social media for our era. He attaches these evaluations to both the individual and to society as a whole. The case studies are compelling and exhibit a keen awareness of the current moment. How should we live, now that many or even most of us are at least partially online? Campbell addresses this question from the point of view of privacy, attention, politics, misinformation, online ostracism, online friendship, and the potential benefits of simply quitting social media or at least some of its more pernicious platforms. Along the way, Campbell ties his discussions back to philosophical concerns raised by Plato, Aristotle, and Xunzi, among others. He also connects his discussion with recent work in feminist philosophy. And each chapter concludes with a succinct definition of key terms and suggested case studies and discussion topics that will engage students at all levels. An impressive accomplishment, and one that deserves a place in the classroom."
—Mark Alfano, Macquarie University

"Campbell’s book delivers several profound lessons about how students learn, connect, and yet can still grow in a digitally mediated world. By exploring how social media shapes attention, identity, and personal relationships, this book provides teachers with timely and relevant topics on social media ethics. At a practical level, the book is also helping teachers understand how to engage in a meaningful way with their students who are probably already immersed in the addictive world of social media." 
—Lavinia Marin, TU Delft

 

Free Online Resources:

Free online resources, including a reading schedule, discussion cases, and PowerPoint slides, developed by Douglas R. Campbell are available for viewing and download on the An Introduction to the Ethics of Social Media title support page

 

About the Author:

Douglas R. Campbell is Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Alma College, where he teaches and researches ancient philosophy and the ethics of social media.