Analyzing Digital Media and Social Influence

Active learning helps students move beyond passive scrolling to examine how digital platforms shape opinions. By manipulating real-world examples, students identify manipulation tactics rather than accepting them at face value, building critical literacy skills that last beyond the classroom.

• Grade 7
• Language Arts
• 4 activities
• 30 min–60 min

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze how specific persuasive techniques (e.g., emotional appeals, scarcity tactics) are employed by social media influencers in at least two different content examples.
2. Evaluate the ethical considerations of algorithmic content curation and targeted advertising on social media platforms, citing potential impacts on user privacy and information access.
3. Explain the role of social media algorithms in shaping the information users encounter, providing at least one specific example of how engagement metrics influence content visibility.
4. Compare and contrast the persuasive strategies used by digital content creators versus traditional advertisers, identifying at least two key differences.

Gallery Walk

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Influencer Post Analysis

Print 6-8 screenshots of influencer promotions on posters. Label stations with focus questions on techniques, algorithms, and ethics. Small groups rotate every 7 minutes, adding observations via sticky notes. Conclude with whole-class share-out of patterns.

Prepare & details

Explain how algorithms on social media platforms influence the information users consume.

Facilitation Tip: For the Gallery Walk, arrange posts by color or size to subtly guide attention to specific elements like captions or comments.

Setup: Wall space or tables arranged around room perimeter

Materials: Large paper/poster boards, Markers, Sticky notes for feedback

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Case Study Analysis

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

Pairs: Algorithm Simulation Game

Provide pairs with scenario cards describing user interactions. Pairs sort content cards into 'next feed' piles using engagement rules. They rotate roles, then discuss how choices create biases. Share findings in a quick class chart.

Prepare & details

Analyze the persuasive techniques used by influencers to promote products or ideas.

Facilitation Tip: In the Algorithm Simulation Game, limit the number of swaps students can make to model how platforms prioritize certain content over others.

Setup: Groups at tables with case materials

Materials: Case study packet (3-5 pages), Analysis framework worksheet, Presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Jigsaw

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Jigsaw: Persuasive Techniques Experts

Assign small groups one technique (e.g., social proof, urgency). Groups research examples from media clips, prepare mini-teachings. Experts jigsaw into new groups to share. Assess via exit tickets on applications.

Prepare & details

Evaluate the ethical implications of targeted advertising and personalized content.

Facilitation Tip: During the Ethics Debate Prep, assign roles like ‘platform representative’ or ‘user advocate’ to ensure balanced perspectives.

Setup: Flexible seating for regrouping

Materials: Expert group reading packets, Note-taking template, Summary graphic organizer

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Case Study Analysis

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

Whole Class: Ethics Debate Prep

Divide class into pro/con teams on 'Targeted ads: helpful or harmful?' Teams gather evidence from prior activities, outline arguments. Hold structured debate with rebuttals. Vote and reflect on persuasion used.

Prepare & details

Explain how algorithms on social media platforms influence the information users consume.

Facilitation Tip: For the Jigsaw activity, provide a graphic organizer to help students categorize persuasive techniques systematically.

Setup: Groups at tables with case materials

Materials: Case study packet (3-5 pages), Analysis framework worksheet, Presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Teaching This Topic

Teach this topic by starting with experiences students already have, then layering analysis and evidence. Avoid lecturing about ‘what to think’—instead, teach ‘how to think’ by modeling close reading of media and discussing real examples. Research shows that when students engage with media they actually use, their analysis becomes more nuanced and personally relevant.

What to Expect

Successful learning shows when students can explain how algorithms prioritize engagement over balance and recognize persuasive techniques in content they encounter daily. They should also articulate ethical concerns about privacy and transparency in digital spaces.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Algorithm Simulation Game, watch for students who assume the feed shows a balanced mix of content.

What to Teach Instead

Pause the simulation midway to ask, ‘What patterns do you notice in the content that appears most frequently?’ and have groups present their findings to challenge assumptions.

Common Misconception

During the Gallery Walk, watch for students who overlook subtle sponsorship cues.

What to Teach Instead

Provide sticky notes with examples of disclosure language and ask students to annotate posts where they spot these or other hidden cues.

Common Misconception

During the Jigsaw activity, watch for students who believe targeted ads are always beneficial to users.

What to Teach Instead

Have expert groups prepare a two-column chart: one side listing benefits, the other risks, and require them to present both during their debrief.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After the Gallery Walk, present a screenshot of a social media post and ask students to identify one persuasive technique and explain its aim in one sentence. Collect responses as students leave.

Discussion Prompt

During the Ethics Debate Prep, facilitate a class debate using evidence from the Algorithm Simulation Game and influencer analysis. Ask students to support their arguments with specific examples from posts or ads they analyzed.

Exit Ticket

After the Algorithm Simulation Game, provide a scenario describing a new product launch. Ask students to write two sentences explaining how an algorithm might influence who sees the ad and one sentence describing a persuasive technique an influencer might use to promote it.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge: Have students design an infographic for a hypothetical influencer, labeling all hidden persuasive techniques and ethical concerns.
• Scaffolding: Provide sentence stems like, ‘This ad uses ___ to make viewers feel ___.’ for students to complete during the Gallery Walk.
• Deeper Exploration: Invite a guest speaker, such as a digital marketer or ethicist, to discuss the long-term effects of algorithmic bias on society.

Key Vocabulary

Algorithm	A set of rules or instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or perform a task, used by social media to decide what content to show users.
Influencer	A social media user who has a significant following and can affect the opinions or purchasing decisions of their audience through their content.
Targeted Advertising	Advertising that is specifically aimed at a particular group of consumers based on their demographics, interests, or online behavior.
Engagement Metrics	Data points that measure how users interact with content, such as likes, shares, comments, and view duration, which influence content visibility.
Persuasive Techniques	Methods used to convince an audience to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action, including emotional appeals, logical arguments, and social proof.