Module 6

Module #6: Ephemeral Narratives and Disappearing Media

Topics:

• The Temporality of Digital Media: Understanding how media like Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and ephemeral messaging apps shape communication.
• Cultural Significance of Disappearing Media: Examining how transient storytelling reflects societal trends and values.
• Ethics and Implications: Analyzing privacy, digital permanence, and the ethical considerations of ephemeral communication.
• Storytelling Techniques in Ephemeral Media: Crafting impactful and engaging narratives within limited time frames.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

Explain the concept of ephemeral narratives and their relevance in digital media ecosystems.

Analyze the cultural and ethical implications of disappearing media formats.

Evaluate the impact of temporality on narrative structure and storytelling techniques.

Required Readings:

Wakefield, Lane. "Conceptualizing Ephemerality in Online Marketing Communication for Consumers and Firms." European Journal of Marketing, 58(10), 2024, pp. 1437-1462.

Kim, D., & Kim, S. "Social Media Affordances of Ephemerality and Permanence: Social Comparison, Self-Esteem, and Body Image Concerns." Social Sciences, 12(2), 87 (2023).

Barnea, U., Meyer, R. J., & Nave, G. "The Effects of Content Ephemerality on Information Processing." Journal of Marketing Research, 60(4), 750-766 (2023).

Activities & Assignments:

Mini-Assignment: Reflection on Ephemeral Narratives

Task: Analyze one ephemeral narrative (e.g., Snapchat story, Instagram post) or one of the module readings. Write a concise 1–2 paragraph blog reflection, addressing the narrative's context, impact, connection to theory, and personal insights.