Module 03 — Social Media Literacy¶
Duration: 2 sessions · Audience: Teens through adults · Prerequisite: Module 01; Module 02 strongly recommended
Learning objectives¶
By the end of Module 03, a participant can:
- Name the major social platforms and what each is actually for
- Describe how algorithmic feeds shape what they see — and why
- Spot common misinformation patterns and verify a claim
- Understand the long-tail consequences of what they post
- Recognize healthy vs. compulsive use patterns in themselves
Session breakdown¶
Session 1 — The landscape and the algorithms. Quick tour: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snap. Why each exists; who makes money when. "The algorithm" without mysticism: what it actually optimizes for, why two people see different feeds. Filter bubbles and engagement-bait.
Session 2 — Misinformation, privacy, healthy use. What misinformation is, why it spreads, four quick verification moves. Deepfakes and AI-generated content (bridge to Module 04). Oversharing: what posts say that you didn't intend. Digital footprint — what a hiring manager or parole officer can find. Healthy use: screen time, sleep, comparison, anxiety. Quitting or downshifting as a valid choice.
Hands-on assignment¶
In Session 2 the participant walks through privacy settings on one social account they use, practices the "verify a claim" workflow on real content, and reviews their own 5 most recent (or would-be) posts against: would they be okay with this in 5 years?
Audience adaptations¶
| Audience | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Teens | Algorithms, peer pressure, sextortion-adjacent scams, digital permanence |
| Recovery | Comparison culture, triggers, accountability circles, healthy online community |
| Reentry | Background-check searchability, professional vs. personal presence, reputation rebuilding |
| Adults | Misinformation, political content, family-on-Facebook dynamics |
What this module doesn't cover¶
Building a personal brand / growing a following (see Module 06 for portfolio basics); running a small business on social (out of scope); clinical treatment for problematic use (refer if needed).
Assessment for award eligibility¶
A facilitator confirms (no written test): Can the participant describe in their own words what an algorithm optimizes for? Did they review privacy settings on a real account? Can they name one thing they will do differently? If yes to all three, Module 03 is complete.