Perspective and Authority on Social Media

Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. Content can be created and shared by anyone. But who’s really behind that post, and should you believe them? Before taking someone’s word for it, consider their viewpoint. In this lesson, students learn the importance of determining who’s behind the information they see and what their motive is. Students use digital literacy strategies to determine who individuals and organizations on social media are and whether they are good sources of information.

This lesson plan is part of the Civic Digital Literacy Project from iCivics and the Digital Inquiry Group. Civic Digital Literacy equips students with evidence-based strategies to discern online information, find trustworthy sources, and be better-informed citizens within the rapidly changing online environment.