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Algorithms on Social Media

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Lesson Plan

Algorithms on Social Media

Understand social media algorithms

This lesson aims to introduce students to the concept of algorithms on social media platforms. Students will learn how these algorithms influence the content they see and discuss the implications on their daily lives and society. This lesson is important to help students become more critical and aware of the media they consume.

Audience

High School

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Materials

Discussion Questions, Handout: Social Media Algorithms, and Interactive Poll Tools

Step 1

Introduction and Poll

4 mins

  • Greet the students and introduce the topic of social media algorithms
  • Conduct an interactive poll to gauge students' awareness of social media algorithms (e.g., 'Do you know how social media decides which posts you see?')
  • Briefly explain what an algorithm is and how it's used in social media to filter and recommend content

Step 2

Activity

7 mins

  • Hand out the 'Social Media Algorithms' reading material
  • Allow students a few minutes to read through the handout
  • Ask students to think about how their behavior on social media might influence the content they see

Step 3

Discussion

4 mins

  • Facilitate a short discussion using the provided questions to help students reflect on the reading
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences with social media algorithms
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to promote discussion about social media algorithms and their impact.

How do you think social media algorithms decide what content to show you?

Encourage students to think about their interactions on social media and consider factors like likes, shares, comments, and time spent on posts.







What are some benefits and drawbacks of these algorithms?

Guide students to weigh the convenience and personalization against potential issues like echo chambers, misinformation, and privacy concerns.







Have you ever noticed your social media feed changing based on what you interact with? Share an example.

Prompt students to reflect on their own experiences and provide a personal anecdote to make the discussion more relatable.







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Reading

Social Media Algorithms

A brief handout explaining how social media algorithms work and their effects on users.

Social Media Algorithms

What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of rules or instructions given to a computer to help it accomplish a task. On social media platforms, algorithms analyze your behavior to decide what content to show you.

How Do They Work?
Social media algorithms look at various data points, such as the posts you like, share, comment on, or spend more time viewing. Over time, these algorithms learn your preferences and show you more content that's similar to what you've interacted with before.

Implications
While algorithms can make your social media experience more enjoyable by showing you content you're interested in, they can also create 'echo chambers' where you only see viewpoints similar to your own. This can limit your exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to misinformation.

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