Paradoxical Perceptions of Sixth Graders Who Participated in a Social Media Literacy Curriculum

• In Event: Social Media Sensemaking Within and Across Cultures

Abstract

Social media uses mechanisms such as machine learning to keep users engaged. These mechanisms have been blamed for pushing users down rabbit holes of content and exacerbating negative health outcomes in teens. While nearly all teens use social media, this age group struggles to critically use these platforms. In this study, we explore the perceptions of 6th graders who have participated in a social media literacy curriculum. We found students held a number of paradoxical views and perceived the mechanisms that govern social media as both creepy and useful, can both narrow and expand their worldview, and the impact of spending time on social media can be both helpful and problematic.

Authors

• Christine Wusylko, Kennesaw State University

• Angela M. Kohnen, University of Florida

• Xiaoman Wang, Western Michigan University