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PART 1: IN-CLASS WORKSHOP

The Social Media Vibe Check: Strategy & Critical Thinking

Name

Class Period

Date

🕒 Section I: The "Time Warp" Reality Check

Be honest—this is for your eyes only. No judgment.

1. The Estimate vs. Reality:

Estimated daily screen time: hours Actual screen time (Check phone): hours

Reflection: How does seeing the real number make you feel?

2. The Mood Meter:

Circle or check the emoji that best describes how you feel after scrolling for an hour:

😊 Inspired/Happy 🥱 Numb/Bored 😰 Anxious/Jealous

Why? What specific type of content makes you feel that way?

🤖 Section II: Algorithm Awareness

Social media apps are businesses. Their goal is to keep you on the app.

1. The "For You" Page Detective:

Why do you think TikTok/Insta shows you the specific videos it does? (Check all that apply)

Because they think I will like it. To make me buy something (Ads). To make me emotional (Angry/Excited). Random luck.

2. The "Echo Chamber" Risk:

Definition: An "Echo Chamber" is when you only see opinions that agree with yours.

If you click "Like" on a video about a wild conspiracy theory, what will the algorithm likely show you next? Why might that be dangerous?

🛑 Section III: Scenario Lab

Read the situation and write 1-2 sentences on how you would handle it maturely.

Situation A: The "Accidental" Screenshot

You are snapping a friend. You take a screenshot of a funny face they made to save it for yourself. They get the notification "You took a screenshot!" and text you asking why.

How do you reply to respect their privacy?

Situation B: The Group Chat Roast

Everyone in the group chat is making fun of a student in your class. You don't like the student, but the jokes are getting really mean. You are afraid to speak up, but you don't want to participate.

What is one thing you could do (or say) without becoming a target yourself?

Situation C: The Location Leak

You are about to post a photo of your new school ID card or your house key because you are excited.

Why should you STOP immediately? What information could a stranger get?

🧠 The "THINK" Protocol

Run your posts through this filter.

T = Is it TRUE?
H = Is it HELPFUL?
I = Is it INSPIRING?
N = Is it NECESSARY?
K = Is it KIND?

Practice Exercise:

Someone comments on your friend's post: "LOL who let you leave the house wearing that?"

Rewrite the comment (If you must say something, what could you say instead?)

👣 Digital Footprint

The internet is written in ink, not pencil.

1. The 5-Year Forecast:

If a future boss Googles you in 5 years, based only on what is on your profile today, what 3 words would they use to describe you?

2. The "Grandma Rule":

Is there anything currently on your phone you would panic if your Principal or Grandma saw on a billboard?

Yes No

*If you checked "Yes," make a mental note to delete it later.

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PART 2: HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

Take this home!

The Social Media Vibe Check: The Audit

Instructions: Take this sheet home. Open your phone settings and verify each item. Check the box ONLY when you have actually looked at the setting.

🔍 Section 1: Security Lockdown

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TikTok Settings

Duet & Stitch: Set "Who can Duet/Stitch" to Friends or Only Me (Not "Everyone").
Downloads: Turned OFF "Allow your videos to be downloaded."
Suggest Account: Turned OFF "Suggest your account to others" (syncing contacts).

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Instagram Settings

Close Friends: Updated my list. I use this for any stories showing where I am.
Hidden Words: Turned ON "Hide Offensive Comments" in Privacy settings.
Tags: Set "Who can tag you" to People You Follow or No One.

👻

Snapchat Settings

Ghost Mode: Snap Map is set to Ghost Mode OR strictly "My Friends" (Never "Everyone").
Quick Add: Reviewed settings. I know not to add strangers just for a higher Snap Score.
Story Settings: My Story privacy is set to "Friends Only" or "Custom," not "Everyone."

📝 Section 2: The Digital Pledge

I, the student, agree to the following standards to protect my peace and my future.

✓ I will not rely on disappearing messages to send things I wouldn't say in person.
✓ I will not share my passwords with friends (only trusted adults).
✓ I will charge my phone away from my bed at night to protect my sleep.

Student Signature:

Parent/Guardian Review:

I have reviewed these settings and answers with my student.