The Hook

• Device with internet access
• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and pens
• Paper and pens
• Video clip

Have a Brief Discussion:

• Ask: What social media apps do you use the most, and why do you think you keep coming back to them?
• Explain that today’s session is about how algorithms work to keep people "hooked" on content

Explain Algorithms:

• Define algorithms in simple terms:
  Algorithms are tools that decide what content to show you based on what you’ve interacted with before.
• Introduce TikTok as an example of how social media platforms use algorithms to personalise what users see.

Watch the Video:

• Play a short video of TikTok’s CEO explaining how TikTok’s algorithm works:
  TikTok CEO Video
• Explain: The algorithm learns from every video you watch or interact with, even just hovering over a video.

Split the group into small teams.

Give each group a scenario where they act like TikTok’s algorithm. Their task is to decide what kind of videos the algorithm might recommend to keep the user hooked.

Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A young person watches lots of prank and small fight videos. What will TikTok show them next?
• Scenario 2: A young person interacts with debates and arguments that become more heated. What might TikTok suggest?
• Scenario 3: A young person watches one video about a violent news event. How will this affect their feed?

Allow 10 minutes for groups to discuss.

Ask each group to present their scenario and what they think the algorithm would do to keep the user hooked.

Discussion on Ethical Concerns:
Lead a class discussion on the ethical issues surrounding algorithms:

Ethical definition: making decisions based on what is morally right.

• Privacy:  How do you feel about TikTok knowing so much about your behaviour online?
• Violence: What happens when the algorithm shows more violent videos? How could this affect young people’s attitudes?
• Addiction: Do you think algorithms make social media addictive? What are the effects of spending too much time online?

Round-up:

Summarise the session:
Algorithms are designed to keep you hooked, but they can also show you harmful content. It’s important to know how they work so you can take control of what you see.

Encourage the group to think about:
How can you be more mindful of your own interactions on social media? What steps can you take to avoid being hooked into harmful content?