Datafront Skill Surge: Dietary habits & digital influence

Course description

What do we mean when we talk about administrative data? Why is administrative data considered such a powerful tool?

Routinely collected administrative data captures interactions across the entire population, offering an unparalleled breadth and depth of information.

This on-demand series aims to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills to harness data for societal and sustainable change. This series covers important topics such as the use of administrative data in policymaking, circular economy models, climate resilience, and the impact of digital media on behaviour, with emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies to address global challenges.

Participants will gain insights from experts, study case studies, and explore practical examples that illustrate how data-driven approaches and emerging technologies are transforming urban planning, agriculture, and health – that will empower researchers to shape the future of the data landscape!

• Session 28 will explore how the digitalisation of food culture has made nutrition more accessible and data-driven, but it has also introduced new risks, biases, and ethical concerns.

 

Learning mode

On-demand, self-paced 

 

Who should attend

This course is intended for:

• Data Analysts and Researchers: Those working with administrative or big data who want to deepen their understanding of its characteristics and uses.
• Policymakers and Government Officials: Decision-makers who rely on data to shape public policies.
• Public Sector Managers: Managers in government institutions seeking to optimise data usage for service improvements.
• Health and Social Care Professionals: Individuals looking to use data for improving service delivery and outcomes.
• Urban Planners and Public Health Professionals: Individuals interested in using administrative data to inform planning and health policies.

 

Aims and objectives

• Examine the role of social media and influencers in shaping public perceptions of diet, nutrition, and health.
• Explore the benefits and risks of AI-powered personalized meal planning and food recommendations.
• Evaluate future trends in AI-driven food systems and the regulatory challenges of digital food influence.

 

Skills area and competencies

Based on the Datacise Open Learning framework, the relevant skills and competencies for this video include:

Skills Areas:

• Data and Digital Literacy: Understanding how AI-driven platforms influence dietary decisions.
• Public Health and Policy Awareness: Understanding regulatory challenges in digital nutrition and the role of policy in protecting consumer health.
• Technology and Society: Assessing how emerging digital trends shape food consumption on an individual and societal level.

Competencies:

• Understanding food marketing algorithms and their influence on dietary behavior.
• Assessing risks in personal data collection by digital food tracking services.
• Applying knowledge of nutrition misinformation to real-world decision-making.

 

Pre-requisite

• Basic familiarity with nutrition, technology, or consumer behavior.
• No prior knowledge of AI or digital food policies is required.
• Suitable for learners in public health, nutrition science, digital ethics, data science, and consumer psychology.

 

Learning outcomes

• Critically evaluate social media food trends and their impact on nutrition knowledge.
• Analyze the benefits and risks of AI-powered nutrition planning and food delivery services.
• Identify key ethical issues in digital food culture, including data privacy and misinformation.

 

Transferable skills

• Digital Literacy: Understanding how technology and AI shape consumer food choices.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluating the role of social media, influencers, and AI in shaping food culture.
• Consumer Decision-Making: Learning how to critically assess digital nutrition recommendations.

 

Assessment

Multiple choice quiz to self-check understanding. 

 

This training content was originally developed and produced by Professor Adam Chee, Datacise Education Lead at Swansea University, with narration enhanced by advanced text-to-speech technology.