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Your Feed Isn't Neutral

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Lesson Plan

Algorithm Awareness Guide

Students will explain how algorithms shape personalized feeds in a 3–4 sentence reflection and list two strategies to diversify their information diet.

Understanding how algorithms work is crucial for developing media literacy and navigating the digital world responsibly. It helps students become critical consumers of information and avoid being trapped in echo chambers, fostering a more well-rounded perspective.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, simulation, and reflection, students will explore algorithm impacts.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Your Feed, Your Feelings Slides, Algorithm Simulation Game cards, Mood and Media Reflection journal, and Exit Ticket: Two Diversify Moves

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up: Your Digital Snapshot

5 minutes

  • Teacher Script: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start with a quick look at our digital lives. Take a moment to think about the last three posts you saw on your favorite social media feed. Don't overthink it, just recall them quickly. Now, on a piece of scratch paper, quickly jot down the category of each post. Was it news, entertainment, friends' updates, ads, something else? No need to share yet, just for your own reflection."
    - Activity: Students silently record the categories of their last three social media posts.
    - Teacher Script: "Keep that in mind as we move forward. We're going to explore why your feed looks the way it does, and how it might be different from someone else's."

Step 2

Mini-lesson: Algorithm Basics and Filter Bubbles

10 minutes

  • Teacher Script: "Great, let's dive into why your feeds look the way they do. We're going to watch a short presentation on how social media algorithms work and what 'filter bubbles' are. Pay close attention, as we'll be discussing this afterwards."
    - Activity: Present Your Feed, Your Feelings Slides (Slides 1-5).
    - Slide 1: Title Slide
    - Slide 2: What Are Algorithms? Explain how they learn from our likes, shares, and viewing time.
    - Slide 3: Your Personalized Feed Discuss how algorithms create unique experiences for each user.
    - Slide 4: Introducing Filter Bubbles Define filter bubbles and echo chambers.
    - Slide 5: Why Do Filter Bubbles Matter? Discuss the implications for diverse perspectives and critical thinking.
    - Teacher Script: "Based on what we just saw, can anyone share in their own words what an algorithm does for your social media feed? What about a filter bubble? Why should we care about them?"
    - Discussion: Facilitate a brief class discussion, addressing any questions and reinforcing key concepts.

Step 3

Algorithm Simulation Game

10 minutes

  • Teacher Script: "Now that we understand the basics, let's experience it firsthand with the Algorithm Simulation Game! In small groups, you'll act as an algorithm, curating feeds based on interactions. Pay attention to how quickly your 'feed' can become specialized."
    - Activity: Distribute Algorithm Simulation Game cards to small groups (3-4 students).
    - Students follow the instructions on the game cards to simulate how algorithms personalize content based on interactions.
    - Circulate among groups, providing guidance and prompting observation.
    - Teacher Script: "What did you notice during the game? How quickly did your group's 'feed' start to look similar? How did it feel when certain types of content disappeared?"
    - Discussion: Bring the class back together for a brief discussion on their game experiences.

Step 4

Mood and Media Reflection

3 minutes

  • Teacher Script: "Excellent observations. Now, let's connect this to our personal experiences. Take out your Mood and Media Reflection journal. I want you to reflect on how the patterns in your actual social media feed (thinking back to our warm-up) might connect to your mood, perspective, or how you understand the world. There are prompts in the journal to guide you. You'll have about three minutes for this quiet reflection."
    - Activity: Students complete the reflection in their Mood and Media Reflection journal.

Step 5

Exit Ticket: Two Diversify Strategies

2 minutes

  • Teacher Script: "To wrap up, we've seen how algorithms shape our feeds. Now, let's think about how we can take control. On this Exit Ticket: Two Diversify Moves, please write down two concrete strategies you can try to diversify your own online information diet, starting today. This isn't just about understanding; it's about action!"
    - Activity: Students complete and submit the Exit Ticket: Two Diversify Moves.
    - Teacher Script: "Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, being aware is the first step to being in charge of your digital experience. Have a great day!"
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Slide Deck

Your Feed Isn't Neutral

How algorithms shape what you see online and how you feel about it.

Welcome students and introduce the topic of social media feeds. Ask them to think about what they usually see.

What Are Algorithms?

  • A set of rules or instructions that a computer program follows.
  • On social media, they learn from your actions:
    • What you 'like' or react to
    • What you share or comment on
    • How long you watch a video
    • Who you follow and interact with
  • Their goal: Keep you engaged and scrolling!

Define what an algorithm is in simple terms. Explain that they are like digital chefs creating a personalized menu for each user.

Your Personalized Feed

  • Algorithms act like a personal DJ, playing songs they think you'll like.
  • They pick and choose what content to show you based on what you've engaged with before.
  • This means your feed is unique to you, designed to maximize your interest and time on the platform.

Explain how this personalization leads to unique feeds for everyone. Emphasize that no two feeds are exactly alike.

Welcome to the Filter Bubble

  • Filter Bubble: When an algorithm shows you only information that aligns with your existing beliefs or interests.
  • It's like being in a bubble where you only hear what you want to hear.
  • Echo Chamber: A similar idea, where your own views are reinforced because you're only exposed to people and content that agree with you.
  • Both can limit your exposure to diverse perspectives.

Introduce the concept of filter bubbles and echo chambers. Use an analogy like a bubble that only lets in certain sounds or information.

Why Do Filter Bubbles Matter?

  • Limited Perspectives: You might miss out on different ideas, cultures, and viewpoints.
  • Reinforced Biases: Your existing beliefs can become stronger without challenge.
  • Misinformation: It can be harder to spot false information if you only see content that confirms what you already think.
  • Less Empathy: Understanding others becomes harder if you never see their side of a story.

Discuss why filter bubbles are a concern. Connect it to critical thinking and understanding different viewpoints.

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Game

Algorithm Simulation Game: The Content Curators

Objective: To understand how algorithms filter and prioritize content based on user interaction, leading to personalized feeds.

Time: 10 minutes

Materials:

  • Provided Content Cards (see below)
  • Small groups of 3-4 students
  • Scratch paper for each group

Instructions:

  1. Form Your Group: Get into small groups of 3-4 students.

  2. Meet Your Algorithm: Each group will act as a "Content Curator Algorithm." Your job is to select content for a hypothetical user based on their past interactions.

  3. Content Pool: You will receive a set of "Content Cards." These represent all the available posts floating around the social media platform. Spread them out so everyone can see them.

  4. Round 1: Initial Interests (2 minutes)

    • As a group, pick THREE Content Cards that you think a new user (let's call them Alex) might initially be interested in. Think broadly about popular content.
    • Write down the titles of these three cards on your scratch paper under "Alex's Feed - Round 1."
    • Place the chosen cards in a separate pile representing "Alex's Feed."

  5. Round 2: User Interaction & Learning (3 minutes)

    • Now, look at the three cards in "Alex's Feed." Pretend Alex really liked ONE of those cards. Choose one card from "Alex's Feed" and say aloud, "Alex liked this!"
    • Based on Alex liking that one card, as an algorithm, you now need to choose THREE NEW Content Cards from the original Content Pool that are similar in topic, style, or theme to the one Alex liked. Try to pick cards that reinforce that interest.
    • Add these three new cards to "Alex's Feed" (Alex's Feed now has 5 cards in total - the two original un-liked ones and the three new ones).
    • Write down the titles of the three new cards you added on your scratch paper under "Alex's Feed - Round 2 Additions."

  6. Round 3: Deepening the Bubble (3 minutes)

    • Look at the five cards in "Alex's Feed." Again, pretend Alex really liked TWO of those cards (they can be any two from the current five).
    • Based on these two likes, choose FOUR NEW Content Cards from the original Content Pool that are even more specific or intensely focused on the themes of the two cards Alex liked. If you can't find four, pick as many as you can that fit.
    • Add these four new cards to "Alex's Feed." (Alex's Feed now has up to 9 cards).
    • Write down the titles of the four new cards you added on your scratch paper under "Alex's Feed - Round 3 Additions."

  7. Observe Your Feed (2 minutes): Look at your final pile of "Alex's Feed" cards. Compare it to the original Content Pool.

Content Cards: (Cut these out for the activity)

Card 1: "Top 10 Cutest Cat Videos This Week"

Card 2: "Local High School Football Team Wins Big!"

Card 3: "Breaking News: New Study on Climate Change Impacts"

Card 4: "DIY Home Decor Ideas: Budget-Friendly Hacks"

Card 5: "Conspiracy Theory: The Moon Landing Was Faked?"

Card 6: "Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Athletes"

Card 7: "Interview with a Renowned Scientist on Space Exploration"

Card 8: "Another Victory for Local Sports Teams - Highlights!"

Card 9: "Cute Animal Memes to Brighten Your Day"

Card 10: "Debate: Is Social Media Good or Bad for Society?"

Card 11: "Exclusive Look: Celebrity Fashion Trends"

Card 12: "Shocking Truth About Popular Food Additives!"

Card 13: "Puppy Training Tips for New Owners"

Card 14: "Local Election Results: Who Won What?"

Card 15: "Mindfulness Exercises for Stress Relief"

Card 16: "5 Easy Recipes for a Plant-Based Diet"

Card 17: "The History of Ancient Civilizations"

Card 18: "Viral Dance Challenge: Learn the Moves!"

Debrief Questions (For class discussion after the game):

  • What did you notice about Alex's feed by Round 3? How different was it from the initial cards you chose in Round 1?
  • How did Alex's "likes" influence the content the "algorithm" (your group) chose?
  • Did you find it easy or difficult to find new content that matched Alex's developing interests? Why?
  • Do you think this simulation accurately reflects what happens on social media? Why or why not?
  • What kind of content might Alex now be missing out on because of how the feed was curated?
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Journal

Mood and Media Reflection

Name: _________________________ Date: _________

Reflecting on Your Digital World

Take a moment to think about your own social media feed. Considering our discussion on algorithms and filter bubbles, reflect on the following questions. Write in complete sentences and provide thoughtful responses.

Question 1: Your Feed's Vibe

Think about the general type of content you see most often on your primary social media platform. Does it lean towards humor, news, specific hobbies, friend updates, or something else? Describe the overall "vibe" or atmosphere of your feed.












Question 2: Connecting to Mood

How do you think the content you regularly see in your feed impacts your mood or emotions? Does it generally make you feel happy, informed, anxious, inspired, competitive, or something else? Explain your reasoning.












Question 3: Shaping Perspective

In what ways might the content of your personalized feed be shaping your understanding of the world, other people, or even yourself? Consider if it's broadening your perspective or potentially narrowing it.













Question 4: Filter Bubble Awareness

After learning about filter bubbles, do you think you might be in one? What evidence from your own feed or online experiences suggests this? How does that make you feel?












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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: Two Diversify Moves

Name: _________________________ Date: _________

Take Action: Diversify Your Feed!

We've learned how algorithms can create personalized feeds and filter bubbles. Now, it's your turn to think about how you can take control and diversify your own information diet.

Question 1:

List two concrete strategies you will try to diversify the content you see on your social media feeds or online in general. Be specific!







Question 2 (Optional Bonus):

Briefly explain why you chose these two strategies and how you think they might help you gain a broader perspective.







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