Communication Ethics

Welcome to Communication Ethics

Welcome to the home of the Communication Ethics course page. This course is part of the M.S. in Applied Communication, Social Media degree at Fitchburg State University. It is taught yearly by Dr. J.J. Sylvia IV.

This blog has been created as a repository for students’ ethical case studies, which may be of use for other academics and students around the world. I’ve also included the syllabus for the course. Please feel welcome to browse our case studies!

  • TikTok’s Hair Type Feature: Ethical Implications and Representation Concerns  

    In June 2025, TikTok released a new “Hair Type” feature accessible for users to identify their hair types and textures while making beauty and lifestyle content videos. However, the launch came under public scrutiny when users identified that the feature was missing Type 4 hair, which is also considered as tightly curled or Afro-textured hair…

  • The Rise of Ai Advertisement & The Ethical Dilemmas Around Younger Generations

    By Perry Joubert Artificial intelligence is changing the landscape and possibilities of digital marketing but as introduced a whole new sector of ethical dilemmas. In the worst cases the rise of AI generated deepfake advertisements that float around social media. These ads manipulate videos, images, and audio of celebrities to promote products. Typically, these celebrities…

  • Case Study Overview: How Lil Miquela (AI influencer) has affected women’s body image 

    This case study will cover the ethical implications that artificial intelligence influencers can have on women’s bodies. With a focus on an artificial intelligence influencer called Lil Miquela, who has a substantial following on Instagram.  The concept of a perfect body for a woman has evolved significantly across different generations. In the fifties, women wore…

  • The $200 Million Mind Game: How Big Tech Hacked California Voters

    By James Lally In November 2020, California voters faced Proposition 22, a ballot initiative funded primarily by Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to exempt app-based drivers from state employment law. The campaign became the most expensive ballot measure in U.S. history, with spending surpassing $200 million. But beyond the record price tag, Proposition 22 became a…

  • Ethical Case Study: The Juvenile Brain in a Chronically Online Society

    This case study explores the ethical responsibilities society holds toward protecting the developing juvenile brain in an age where digital connectivity is constant. The analysis integrates neuroscience research, ethical theory, and real-world events involving fear-based online trends. Horror-themed viral challenges, such as the Momo Challenge and Blue Whale Challenge, have spread across platforms like TikTok,…

  • Ethics Case Study Overview: Political Disinformation and Facebook (A focus on the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election).

    Photo by CNN The 2016 U.S. presidential election was one for the books. Let’s quickly talk about it. A celebrity announced that they were running for President of the United States. If that doesn’t sound like a publicity stunt, I don’t know what does. The issue here isn’t so much that, it’s what came following…