Social media can inspire connection and creativity—but it can also impact how we see ourselves and others.
In this lesson, you’ll explore the complex relationship between social media and mental health, examining topics like self-esteem, comparison culture, and misinformation. Using project-based learning and design thinking, you’ll uncover insights and take action to make a positive difference.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand the project-based learning (PBL) approach and the design thinking process as frameworks for problem-solving.
- Explore the guiding question, “How does social media influence the way we see ourselves and others?”
- Identify key themes related to social media’s impact on mental health.
- Brainstorm initial project ideas and establish learning expectations for the unit.
What You’ll Need
Minds-on
Skills for the Future:
- Empathy
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
Project Word Wall:
- Social Media Algorithms
- Misinformation
- Digital Well-Being
- Quantitative
- Qualitative
Think about the last time you scrolled through social media. Did it leave you feeling inspired, connected, or perhaps a bit insecure? Social media is a powerful tool that shapes our self-perception and influences our emotions, perceptions, and behaviors. While it can foster connection and creativity, research indicates it may also contribute to mental health challenges. For instance, a study highlighted by Yale Medicine notes that adolescents spending over 3 hours daily on social media face twice the risk of experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms (Yale Medicine, 2024). Additionally, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 43% of teens feel pressure to post content that makes them look good to others, underscoring the impact of comparison culture (Pew Research Center, 2018).
In this lesson, we’ll explore social media’s complex impact on mental health using project-based learning (PBL) and design thinking, two creative problem-solving approaches. You’ll examine key themes, including self-esteem, comparison culture, and misinformation, while also recognizing the positive aspects of social media, such as advocacy and community building. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of social media’s influence and a plan to turn your insights into action. Let’s jump in!
This lesson introduces the driving question of the project-based learning experience and helps students explore the broad impact of social media on mental health. Through guided reflection and discussion, students begin the empathy phase of the design thinking process, identifying personal connections to the topic and uncovering issues they care about.
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Standards and Practices
Common Core Standards: Grades 9–10
- L.9–10.6: Acquire and use academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level.
- SL.9–10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- L.9–10.6: Acquire and use academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level.
- SL.9–10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own.
Common Core Standards: Grades 11–12
- L.11–12.6: Acquire and use academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level.
- SL.11–12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- L.11–12.6: Acquire and use academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level.
- SL.11–12.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when appropriate.
Next Generation Science Standards
- HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions.
International Society for Technology in Education
- Knowledge Constructor (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d): Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources.