This content is located in CAPS under Social Implications: Impact on Society for Grade 12.

Social networking sites and technologies, such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, and newer platforms like BlueSky Social, have revolutionised communication and information sharing. These platforms hold immense potential for connecting people and fostering collaboration but also come with challenges like misinformation, digital footprints, and cybersecurity risks. Let’s explore practical ways to teach these concepts in the classroom.

Start by introducing the key social networking platforms that students are already familiar with. Discuss their purpose, features, and how they shape society. Include real-world examples to make the discussion engaging and relatable:

1. Facebook and X (Twitter): Community and News

• Practical Application: Use current events to demonstrate how these platforms are used for real-time information sharing and raising awareness. For instance, compare how a trending news topic is reported across platforms. Ask students to identify factual and fake information.
  • Activity Idea: Create a mock news feed where students post updates on a given topic. Evaluate credibility and bias in their “posts.”

2. YouTube: Education and Entertainment

• Practical Application: Highlight YouTube’s role in education (e.g., tutorials, study guides) versus entertainment. Teachers can show educational content and discuss how to evaluate the credibility of the source.
  • Activity Idea: Assign students to find and share a reliable YouTube tutorial that explains a concept from a different subject. Reflect on what makes the video trustworthy.

3. WhatsApp: Instant Communication

• Practical Application: Discuss WhatsApp’s role in group communication and file sharing. Emphasise etiquette and the importance of securing private conversations.
  • Activity Idea: Simulate a classroom WhatsApp group to discuss assignment deadlines. Integrate a discussion about the risks of sharing personal details online.

4. BlueSky Social: Decentralisation and Privacy

• Practical Application: Introduce emerging technologies like BlueSky Social. Explain the concept of decentralised networks and their role in data privacy.
  • Activity Idea: Divide students into groups to research and present the advantages and challenges of decentralised versus centralised social media platforms.

Exploring Digital Footprints and Cyber Profiles

Every post, like, or share contributes to an individual’s digital footprint. Understanding the permanence of online activity is crucial for students.

• Practical Application: Demonstrate tools like Google search to uncover someone’s digital footprint. Include discussions on potential risks (e.g., employers checking social media profiles).
  • Activity Idea: Ask students to reflect on their digital footprints by searching their names online and discussing what kind of “cyber profile” they are projecting.

Tackling Fake News

Fake news can mislead and cause harm. Equip students with critical thinking skills to identify misinformation.

• Practical Application: Compare genuine and fake articles/posts. Teach students how to verify facts using tools like Snopes or FactCheck.
  • Activity Idea: Provide students with a series of headlines, some true and others false, and ask them to research their validity.

Broader Discussions: The Impact of Social Media on Society

• Cybersecurity: Teach students the importance of safeguarding their personal information.
• Mental Health: Highlight the potential negative impact of social media on mental health, such as cyberbullying or social comparison.
• Digital Citizenship: Discuss responsible use, including respecting others’ privacy and adhering to ethical online behaviour.

Encourage Classroom Dialogue Close the lesson with an open discussion. Ask students:

• How do they see social media influencing their lives and communities?
• What measures can they take to protect their digital identities?

Engage the students further by involving them in a debate on whether the benefits of social networking outweigh its challenges.