What is ForYou on TikTok?
60-90 minWe often hear that algorithms control social media, but how does this work? In this lesson we use TikTok as our starting point to understand how social media adapts to its users.
Guided practice
Introduce the learning objectives and desired learning outcomes for the lesson:
- How TikTok customises information for each user.
- How important algorithms are for the information you receive.
- Reflect on and discuss the consequences of TikTok and other social media platforms customising content for its users.
Classroom discussion
Talk about what TikTok is and what it is used for. Encourage the pupils provide their input. Feel free to use the video as an example.
Then share the link to the pupil page.
The pupils complete task 1
The pupils discuss what they have seen on their own ForYou feed on TikTok through the questions below.
For many pupils, sharing their content from TikTok can be too personal, since the content is so personalised. Remind them that they can choose which content they want to share.
Have the pupils share their answers in pairs first, before you address the questions in a class discussion. Feel free to let the pupils ask more questions.
The pupils complete task 2
The pupils compare their answers from task 1 by discussing the questions below.
The pupils complete task 3
The pupils watch the video. They can do this individually or you can show it to the class. After the video, they answer the questions individually or in small groups.
The pupils complete task 4
The pupils work in pairs to make lists of positive and negative aspects of TikTok's algorithms in the ForYou feed.
Discuss the pros and cons in a class discussion.
Consolidation
What advice would the pupils want to give to someone who is about to start using TikTok? Would it matter if the person was an adult or a teenager?
Have the pupils think of five pieces of advice for using TikTok.
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