Explore platform literacy activities

Dive into interactive exercises designed to help you understand how social media platforms work and how they influence your online experience. Get ready to explore, learn, and grow your digital self!

Scroll Test

Goal: See how quickly algorithms adapt to your behavior

Instructions:

  1. Pick a random topic (example: cooking, sneakers, travel, fitness)
  2. Search that topic on one of your platforms
  3. Scroll and interact with that content for 10 minutes
    • like posts
    • watch videos fully
    • click on related content
  4. Throughout the rest of the day, pay attention to your feed

Answer These Questions:

  • Did your feed change after the activity?
  • Did you start seeing more of that topic?
  • How quickly did the algorithm respond?

Think About It:
Even a short amount of interaction can change what you see.

Algorithm Reflection

Goal: Understand how your feed reflects your behavior

Instructions:
Take a few minutes to think about what you usually see on your social media feeds.

Answer the questions below in 200 words:

  • Do you feel like you see the same types of content over and over?
  • What kinds of videos or posts show up the most?
  • Do you think your feed reflects who you are? Why or why not?
  • What actions (likes, comments, watch time) might be influencing what you see?

Think About It:
Your feed is not random—it is shaped by what you do. This activity helps you notice those patterns.

Digital Identity Reflection

Goal: Explore how you present yourself online

Instructions:

  1. Take this short quiz:
    - https://therapytips.org/personality-tests/online-persona-quiz
  2. After completing the quiz, write a short reflection:
  • What type of online persona did you get?
  • Do you agree with the result? Why or why not?
  • How do you present yourself differently online vs in real life?
  • Do different platforms show different versions of you?

Think About It:
 Your online identity can change depending on the platform you use.

PLatform Quiz

What is an algorithm, and what does it do on social media?

 

A system that decides what content to show you based on your behavior, such as what you watch, like, or interact with.

 

 

What actions do you take on apps that might tell the platform what you like?

Liking, commenting, sharing, rewatching, pausing, or even how long you look at something all signal interest.

What types of content do you think your algorithm shows you the most?

Platforms show similar content because it keeps you engaged and increases the chance you will keep scrolling.

What does it mean when we say your feed is “personalized”?

Your feed is tailored specifically to you based on your past behavior, not randomly selected.

What is an “echo chamber,” and how could it happen?

A situation where you mostly see content that matches your interests or beliefs because the algorithm keeps encouraging them.

What kinds of posts might your algorithm NOT be showing you?

The feed is curated and selective, showing what gets engagement rather than a balanced or complete view. This could include content that is different, less popular, opposing views, and different experiences.

What is one way you could take more control over your feed or how it affects you?

Examples include limiting screen time, engaging with different content, unfollowing accounts, or being mindful of emotional reactions.