Digital Choices
Something a person does automatically, often without thinking.
What is a habit?
An unwritten rule of expectation shared by a group.
A sleep hormone that is produced by the brain, released a few hours before bedtime, and helps us wind down before bed.
What is melatonin?
A negative thought that pops into your mind.
What is a negative automatic thought?
Information about who you are, such as your name, email addresses, and photos.
What is personal data?
A screen-time dashboard, usage reminder, or grayscale mode.
What are examples of a humane design?
This permission or agreement typically happens between people who have differences in power.
What is consent?
This tech feature can signal to the brain that it is daytime, which delays the release of melatonin.
What is blue light?
An exaggerated or irrational negative thought pattern that can make something seem worse or less true than it is.
What is a thinking trap?
Information about what you do online, such as what videos you watch or how long you spend on posts or webpages.
What is behavioral data?
An app keeps showing videos similar to ones a student watched. What feature is likely shaping the student's feed?
What are personalized recommendations?
A friend has not replied to a message. Assuming that you know what the friend is thinking is what kind of thinking trap?
What is mind reading?
If this part of the brain becomes overactive because of technology use at night, then emotions and behavior responses become unbalanced.
What is the limbic system?
A student compares their life to polished posts online and starts having negative thoughts about themselves, sometimes thinking "I can't stand myself, I'm such a loser." Name the tech challenge they might be experiencing AND the thinking trap they fell into.
What is a) self-esteem and b) labeling?
Companies track things like what you click on, what you search for, and how long you stay on certain pages. Name two ways companies can use your information.
What is:
- Create personalized ads
- Package and sell it to other companies
- Improve their products
A student wants to change a technology habit. Name two things they should plan.
What are any TWO of the following:
- Choose what habit they want to change
- Why it matters to them that the habit changes.
- An alternative activity
- Helpful tricks
- Find someone who can support them
Riley shared a candid photo of Casey before asking. Casey feels embarrassed and needs to set a boundary with Riley. Write an assertive boundary statement that is respectful so Riley and Casey can stay friends.
What is:
"I feel [name your emotions] when someone [describe the boundary being crossed]. I need [describe your limit or suggest an alternative solution]."
If this part of the brain is underactive following a night of restless sleep due to technology use, the ability to critically think and make decisions is weakened.
What is the neocortex?
A one-sided connected in which someone feels close to or feels like they know a content creator on a personal level.
What is a parasocial relationship?
Jamie shares a screenshot of messages from his friend Henry, who had just told Jamie who his crush was. Jamie sends it to the group chat because he wants to feel relevant. Which value is most important to Jamie? What value might Henry have that Jamie hasn't considered?
What is:
- Connection (Jamie)
- Privacy (Henry)
A student opens an app to check one message, but stays much longer than planned. Describe ne app feature that might contribute AND one choice the student could make.
What is infinite scroll/autoplay/notifications/streaks/personalized recommendations?
What is setting a limit/turning off notifications/pausing before continuing?
A student notices that everyone in his school group chat expects everyone to reply right away. Describe the steps for how the student can change this norm.
What is naming it, discussing how it affects people, and suggesting another way?
A student wants to use technology while still honoring physical health. Describe a plan that includes both screen use and movement.
What is:
- Watching a movement or yoga video
- Using an activity or fitness app
- Setting reminders to take walking breaks
A chatbot can respond in real time and may feel comforting. Name three characteristics that AI chatbots cannot replace in a human friendship.
What is:
- Empathy
- Personality
- Physical presence
- Emotions
Name three ways to limit the information an app collects about you.
What is:
- Opt-Out of cookies
- Manage privacy settings
- Delete personal data