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: What is TikTok?
Before the pupils work on their own, it is beneficial to talk about what TikTok is and what it is used for. Encourage the pupils provide their input.
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, and present their findings to their partners.
Address the questions in a class discussion, and feel free to let the pupils ask more questions.
The pupils complete Task 2
The pupils present their findings in small groups. They then discuss why they get different content in their ForYou feed.
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 make lists of positive and negative aspects of TikTok's algorithms in the ForYou feed.
Discuss the issue 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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