INDIANAPOLIS - The age of social networking has changed the careers and fortunes of people in profound ways. Harnessing its power has led to dramatic change in the lives of public figures. Now IUPUI plans to offer a degree on the changing way we communicate.
At IUPUI, freshman orientation is underway. Ask these students if they use Facebook and Twitter, and just about all of them raise their hand.
"I like to keep up with my friends, and see the upcoming events my friends are attending," said Paige Axsom.
"I use it because I'm from California and I can keep up with family and friends back there," said Evie Bartlett.
"Just to keep up with friends, and see what's going on," said Evan Pittman.
But the extremes of online communication have led to serious setbacks for public figures. One of the most recent examples is New York Congressman Anthony Weiner and his lewd messages.
Now to prepare those seeking a future in public service, IUPUI is offering a new major in Media and Public Affairs.
"The current media environment is tremendously fragmented and is changing every day. We're not just going to tell people you need to use Twitter or Facebook," said Sheila Suess Kennedy, IUPUI director of public affairs.
Kennedy says the new degree program will zero in on the upheaval in instant communication. The world can learn about you, good or bad, in a matter of seconds, and that can lead to instant chaos.
Thirty years ago, when Kennedy wanted to get her message out as an attorney for the City of Indianapolis, she did it the old-fashioned way.
"You called a press conference. The two newspapers that actually had pages in them, and the four TV channels came, and then you went back to your office and went back to work," she said. "If that was all you did (nowadays) most of the people you're trying to reach won't ever see it."
"The skills we will be hoping to impart, is how to keep up with all of this and not be obsolete," she said.
The degree program is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the country.
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