Overview
What happens when a third-party fact-checker like Climate Feedback labels a Facebook post as misinformation even if it’s not? Explore the impact of Facebook’s content moderation policies on freedom of expression and the potential biases in its system. Are we getting truth from media or just the information some people think is “best” for us?

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Science / Technology
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify the reasons why Stossel's video was flagged by Facebook for "missing context.";
• analyze the role of third-party fact-checkers in social media content moderation;
• evaluate the fairness and effectiveness of Facebook's policies on content censorship and its impact on public discourse; and
• create a balanced argument either supporting or opposing the use of fact-checkers like Climate Feedback in moderating online content, using evidence from the video and additional research.

Key concepts and terms covered
Bias, Censorship, Fact-Checker, and Moderation.

Sample discussion questions
• What is the main issue John Stossel faced with his Facebook video?
• Why do you think the fact-checkers did not watch the video before labeling it? Does that have implications for the accuracy of their decisions on other videos? What does that mean about the information you’re getting?
• What might be the consequences for a journalist when their content is flagged or censored?
• How might Stossel’s video have performed if it wasn't flagged by Facebook?
• How would you suggest improving the process of fact-checking and content moderation on social media platforms?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 16-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.