Computer Science
Grade 9
20 min
Social Media Ethics: Responsible Use of Social Platforms
Students will discuss the ethical considerations of using social media platforms.
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify at least three common ethical dilemmas on social media platforms.
Define and provide examples for key terms like 'digital footprint', 'misinformation', and 'algorithmic bias'.
Apply a structured ethical framework to analyze a social media scenario.
Analyze how social media algorithms can create echo chambers and filter bubbles.
Evaluate the privacy settings of a social media profile and recommend improvements.
Explain the long-term consequences of irresponsible online behavior.
Ever seen a post go viral for all the wrong reasons? 🤔 Let's explore how a few clicks can have a massive impact, for better or for worse.
This lesson explores the ethical responsibilities that come with using social media. We will learn...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Digital FootprintThe trail of data, posts, comments, and images you leave behind online. It can be permanent and accessible to others.A potential employer searching your name and finding photos you were tagged in from five years ago on a public profile.
CyberbullyingUsing digital communication tools (like social media, texts, or online forums) to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone.Creating a fake profile to post mean comments on a classmate's photos or repeatedly sending them harassing messages.
Misinformation vs. DisinformationMisinformation is false information spread without malicious intent. Disinformation is false information spread deliberately to deceive.Misinformation: Your aunt shares an article about a fake celebrity death because she thought it wa...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The T.H.I.N.K. Framework
Before you post, ask: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
Use this as a mental checklist before posting, commenting, or sharing. It's a simple algorithm for filtering out potentially harmful or negative content and promoting positive online interactions.
The Source Verification Checklist
1. Check the Author/Source. 2. Check the Date. 3. Check for Bias. 4. Check Supporting Sources.
Apply this four-step process when you encounter a surprising or emotionally charged piece of information online. It helps you determine if the content is credible before you believe it or share it, preventing the spread of misinformation.
The Principle of Data Minimization
Share only the minimum amount of personal data necessa...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A news-ranking algorithm was trained on historical data of articles that were most clicked-on. It is discovered that historically, articles with sensational, fear-based headlines were clicked on more than nuanced, factual articles. What is the most likely ethical problem this algorithm will have?
A.It will have an algorithmic bias that promotes misinformation and disinformation because those often use sensational headlines.
B.It will violate the principle of data minimization by collecting too much user data.
C.It will be unable to create echo chambers because it is only looking at headlines.
D.It will be a form of cyberbullying against news organizations that write factual headlines.
Challenging
Imagine a scenario where a close friend shares a piece of harmful misinformation they genuinely believe is true. Correcting them publicly would be 'True' but might not be 'Kind' and could embarrass them. What is the most ethically nuanced action based on the tutorial's principles?
A.Ignore the post completely to avoid any conflict.
B.Publicly mock your friend for believing fake news to teach them a lesson.
C.Share the post yourself because friendship is more important than facts.
D.Contact your friend privately to kindly explain why the information is false and ask them to consider removing it.
Challenging
A social media platform wants to design an algorithm to promote 'healthy conversations'. Based on the tutorial's concepts, which of the following posts should the algorithm be designed to amplify the most?
A.post with an extreme, controversial opinion that gets thousands of angry comments and shares.
B.post that uses a clickbait title but has very little substance, causing users to click and immediately leave.
C.well-researched post from a credible source that gets thoughtful, lengthy comments and is shared by experts.
D.funny cat video that gets a massive number of likes but no comments or discussion.
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