Navigating Social Media: The Good and the Bad

• English
• Special Education

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to analyze the positive and negative aspects of social media and understand its impact on individuals and society.

What do you already know about the positive and negative aspects of social media?

Slide 1: Introduction to Social Media

Social media platforms allow for instant communication and the sharing of information, connecting people globally.

Slide 2: Positive Aspects of Social Media

Social media can be used for networking, learning, and staying connected with friends and family. It also provides a platform for self-expression and creativity.

What is a positive use of social media?

1. Comparing yourself to others
2. Learning
3. Staying connected
4. Arguing with people

Slide 3: Negative Aspects of Social Media

Social media has been associated with cyberbullying, addiction, misinformation, and privacy concerns.

Slide 4: Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information published without malicious intent.

Disinformation is designed to mislead.

Don't trust everything you read online - check it out yourself by searching the internet and talking to a range of different people. 

If somebody is trying to convince you of something, ask yourself why.  What are they trying to gain?

How can you verify information?

1. Avoid checking facts.
2. Believe the first result you see.
3. Only ask one trusted source.
4. Search online and ask various people.

Should you trust everything online?

1. Everything online is true.
2. Only trust social media.
3. No, verify information yourself.
4. Yes, it's always reliable.

What is disinformation intended to do?

1. Inform the public accurately.
2. Educate about facts.
3. Support honest dialogue.
4. Mislead the audience.

What is misinformation?

1. Designed to mislead.
2. False information without malicious intent.
3. Only found in social media.
4. Completely accurate information.

Slide 5: Impact on Mental Health

The constant comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and negative content on social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Our brains get overwhelmed and we cannot process things properly.

What does negative content do to us?

1. Contributes to feelings of anxiety
2. Improves mental well-being

What can contribute to anxiety and depression?

1. Negative content on social media
2. Positive interactions with friends
3. Constant comparison
4. Fear of missing out

Slide 6: Social Media and Relationships

Social media can affect real-life relationships, leading to misunderstandings, jealousy, and decreased face-to-face interactions.

Slide 7: Managing Social Media Use

Understanding the importance of balance and setting boundaries when using social media is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.

Slide 8: Responsible Social Media Use

Promoting kindness, empathy, and critical thinking online can contribute to a more positive and inclusive social media environment.

What is a consequence of poor boundaries online?

1. Greater focus on real-life tasks
2. Increased anxiety and stress
3. Enhanced social interactions
4. Improved mental health

How can critical thinking help on social media?

1. Following trends blindly
2. Evaluating information before sharing
3. Avoiding discussions
4. Believing everything at face value

What can contribute to a positive online environment?

1. Spreading misinformation
2. Ignoring others' feelings
3. Encouraging bullying
4. Promoting kindness and empathy

Why is balance important in social media use?

1. Avoiding real-life interactions
2. Promoting negativity online
3. Encouraging excessive screen time
4. Maintaining a healthy relationship with technology

Slide 9: Conclusion and Reflection

Reflect on the lessons learned and consider how to apply the knowledge of the positive and negative aspects of social media in real-life situations.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.