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 one exists; who makes money when
- "The algorithm" explained without mysticism: what it actually optimizes for
- Why two people see different feeds
- Filter bubbles and engagement-bait — how to recognize them
Session 2 — Misinformation, privacy, and healthy use¶
- Misinformation: what it is, why it spreads, four quick verification moves
- Deepfakes and AI-generated content — what's coming, how to spot it (bridge to Module 04)
- Privacy and oversharing: what posts say about you that you didn't intend
- Digital footprint and reputation: what a hiring manager or parole officer can find
- Healthy use patterns: screen time, sleep, comparison, anxiety
- Quitting or downshifting: it's a valid choice
Hands-on assignment¶
In Session 2, the participant:
- Walks through privacy settings on one social account they actually use
- Practices the "verify a claim" workflow on a real piece of content
- Reviews their own most recent 5 posts (or 5 they would post) and asks: would they be okay with this in 5 years?
Audience adaptations¶
| Audience | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Teens | Algorithms, peer pressure, sextortion / 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 or growing a following — see Module 06 for portfolio basics
- Running a small business on social — out of scope
- Clinical treatment for problematic use — out of scope; provide referral 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 reviewed privacy settings on a real account?
- Can they name one thing they will do differently after the module?
If yes to all three, Module 03 is complete.