Social Media’s Impact on Democracy Workshop
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 9am - 4:30pm PST
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Social media has been an ever-changing technology since its invention and widespread adoption, but there is a growing body of evidence on social media’s impact on our democracy – and it’s not good news.
This workshop will cover the current trends regarding social media ownership and use, how social media is used to spread misinformation and disinformation, and ways for civil society organizations like unions to push back on social media’s further polarization of our politics.
This workshop is open to all members who have not previously taken it. Those who have not taken an elective workshop in the past three years will be prioritized.
Facilitator Bio:
David Moscrop is a freelance writer with bylines in the Washington Post, the Globe and Mail, the Guardian, Jacobin, and a handful of other publications. He's the host of a couple current affairs podcasts (Open to Debate and Left Looking In), and the author of a book about why we make bad political decisions.
He has a PhD in political science from the University of British Columbia. He offers political commentary and analysis for radio, television, and print. When he’s not writing or re-watching Casablanca, he’s terminally online.
Registration Information:
Members interested in attending this workshop must complete a registration application by logging intoMy Events Registration using the prompts provided. Workshops are listed under Education events. Please select ‘create a login’ through the Event Registration and click on ‘here’ to receive your member ID by email or call the HSA office at 604-517-0994 or 1-800-663-6119 if you do not know your HSA member ID number.
As per HSA policy, dependent care costs and wage replacement will be provided. Participants must request time off from their employer once the union confirms workshop acceptance. If the workshop is on a scheduled workday, wage replacement will be provided. If the workshop is on a day off, participants are entitled to bank the time as paid union leave to be taken at a later date.