Who Tells the Story: Digital Media, Power, and Culture

Course Description

We live in a time when accessible digital technologies allow us to tell our own stories—yet those same tools can be used to shape, manipulate, or distort narratives. In 2025, according to various studies, the average adult spent between 6 and 8 hours per day interacting with media. Each piece of media we consume presents a narrative from someone’s perspective. The power in telling these stories resides with the creator of the media. Understanding how digital stories are created, framed, and interpreted are essential critical thinking skills.

In this course, we will examine how creators construct and influence digital narratives. Through analysis of historical and contemporary examples, students will develop critical media literacy skills while exploring the power of perspective in digital storytelling. We will also analyze how artificial intelligence tools participate in narrative creation by exploring questions of authorship, bias, automation, and authenticity. Students will create their own unique UNCA stories using digital platforms such as social media, podcasts, journalistic writing, and short-form video. By combining critical analysis with hands-on production, students will learn to thoughtfully shape and share their own narratives.

Faculty Spotlight

Stephanie O’Brien, Ph.D. – Lecturer, Mass Communication

Academic background

Dr. Stephanie O’Brien earned a B.A. in Broadcast/Cinema from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UNC Greensboro and went on to receive a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from the School of Education at UNC Greensboro. Prior to entering academia, Dr. O’Brien spent over 17 years working in television news, commercials, and narrative television and film production.

What makes this course meaningful for students?

Dr. O’Brien is excited to be teaching her first FYS class. She chose the topic of Digital Storytelling because, as a media practitioner, she believes everything we do is storytelling. Life is narrative, and each person has the power to tell their own stories. Dr. O’Brien hopes that students will develop agency in telling their own stories while also practicing critical digital literacy skills.

Favorite spot in Asheville

Because she loves to be outdoors on a bike, Dr. O’Brien’s favorite spot in Asheville is the greenway in the River Arts District. It’s an easy weekend morning ride with lots of great businesses to support along the way.