Overview
Are Google and Facebook secretly shaping your thoughts and influencing your choices? This video explores how these tech giants use the vast amounts of personal data they collect, creating detailed profiles of users that never disappear. By examining the hidden practices of data collection and the power they wield in the digital world, this video raises critical questions about privacy, consent, and the influence of technology on society, making it an essential resource for classroom discussions on ethics and media literacy.

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Lesson Insights

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 how Google and Facebook collect and use personal data from users;
• explain the concept of the "creepy line" and how it relates to the ethical use of personal data by tech companies;
• analyze the potential impact of data collection practices by tech giants on user privacy and behavior; and
• evaluate the arguments for and against regulating tech companies like Google and Facebook, considering both the benefits and risks to consumers.

Key concepts and terms covered
Algorithm, Data Privacy, Targeted Advertising, and Tracking.

Sample discussion questions
• What are some ways Google collects data about its users?
• What are some examples of personal data that might be collected when you use Google?
• How might the data collected by tech companies influence people's decisions or behaviors?
• Do you think tech companies should be regulated like other media companies? Why or why not?
• Mark Zuckerberg wrote a letter to Representative Jim Jordan, acknowledging censorship of discussions on Facebook regarding several topics, at direction from the White House and from politicians in other capacities. Do you consider this an infringement on First Amendment rights? Why or why not? Is this kind of behavior “crossing the creepy line?” Why or why not? Link to primary document of the letter: https://x.com/JudiciaryGOP/status/1828201780544504064/photo/1

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 11-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.