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The Cost of Connection: Exploring Digital Media and Society


This is a Sociology Subject Spotlight with Dr Tom Redshaw from the University of Salford. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Sociology.

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In this eye-opening Subject Spotlight, Dr Tom Redshaw explores the sociological implications of digital media, confronting the reality of the digital devices we use in our daily lives. In the first episode, Tom introduces sociology and how it helps us make sense of our day-to-day lives, from the clothes we wear to the way we speak. Next, Tom explores digital media, how it has evolved over time and its underlying social reality. In episode two, Tom dives deeper into digital media, uncovering the reality of producing, running and discarding our digital devices. Through the environmental and human costs, you’ll discover what it really takes for us to live our digital lives. In episode three, Tom presents a real-life case study, focusing on cryptocurrency Bitcoin and its social impacts. In the fourth and final episode, Dr Tom Redshaw challenges you to create your own campaign for digital sustainability, challenging the issues presented to you throughout this Subject Spotlight. 

About University of Salford

The University of Salford pioneers exceptional industry partnerships, prepares students for life, and has a global community of over 170,000 alumni. Salford is an ambitious, thriving university and there are countless reasons why students choose to study there. Whether it’s the award-winning academics, warm and welcoming campus, state-of-the-art facilities, or fantastic location in the city of Salford with Manchester’s vibrant city centre on the doorstep. Whatever the reason for joining, students become part of a community with access to the support and opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions.

Meet the academics

Dr Tom Redshaw

Dr Tom Redshaw is a lecturer in Sociology at the University of Salford, with previous experience at Loughborough University and St Mary’s University, London. Tom has led and taught on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes covering a variety of topics in sociology. Tom also has a PhD in sociology from the University of Manchester, and conducts research into the social impact of new technologies. 

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!