​
Social Media:
How does it Affect Happiness?
VIDEO
We don't have a choice on whether we DO social media,
The Question Is...
HOW WELL WE DO IT
- Erik Qualman
RATIONALE
When is Your Brain Ready for Social Media?
Social Media is a topic that has clear connections to our students' lives. Our guiding question, "How does it affect happiness?," delivers the unit with an authentic reflection about social media's influence on communication, worldviews, identity, health and well being. We believe that we have "designed a learning experience that developed from the students’ need to know. Learners had a personal stake and interest in the topic and were socially connected to each other and to the world." (Jacobsen, Lock, & Friesen, 2013)
Our goal is to provide a unit of study that incorporates Language Arts, Health, and Social Studies, in teaching students responsible and critical ways of using social media that promotes health and happiness. We strive in our practice to "intentionally design and cultivate learning experiences that engage students’ creativity, imaginations and prior knowledge, and also lead students in appropriate digital citizenship practices and strategies." (Jacobsen et al., 2013)
This video is our unit "hook" as it describes general concerns regarding social media in a teen friendly presentation.
AUTHENTICITY
Making
Real-Life Connections
By appealing to our students' real-life experiences we are creating a more authentic study. In today's world, social media is ubiquitous. Engaging students in critical analysis and thinking about their own social media use will expand their perspectives and perhaps even encourage them to be more thoughtful when they post on their own accounts beyond this unit. From Instagram to Tik Tok to VSCO, students are surrounded by influences far beyond their families, friends and other members of their social circles.
By engaging students and encouraging deeper critical thinking, understanding and awareness of various social media uses, effects and opportunities, we can create a more self-aware and invested group of individuals. As part of our responsibility to be transparent, parents will be notified and made aware of unit content and results. Click on the button below to see a copy of a parent letter that will be sent out prior to the start of the unit.