The Community Reading Experience (pages 21-24), Chapter 2 Recap
- The evolution of the internet and the use of mobile devices leads us into filter bubbles from which we give credibility only to information that confirms our beliefs. Our emotional triggers and the social experience of consuming informaton online (Community Reading Experience) can cause us to equivocate likes, shares, and comments with the validity of the content.
- Formulas like engagement metrics determine the frequency of a post's appearance on our social media feed. A survey done by the authors shows that adults and students cited others' likes and shares as sign that the post was trustworthy. Cancel culture is an example of weaponizing the Community Reading Experience.
This list of eBooks available from INFOhio provides additional information on filter bubbles and the effects of the Community Reading Experience. Share them with students to provide additional context on the topic.
"What's Not to Like?" is a graphic found in the Chapter 2 Resources section of the Evidence locker. It contains questions about social media posts. Consider these questions, then see more specific instructions in the upcoming Pause and Do section.
Consider this quote on page 24 from Who Do We Choose To Be? Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity by Margaret Wheatley:
“One reason identities slam shut is that other greater human needs supersede openness, curiosity, and intelligence. We need to belong. We need to feel accepted.”
Next, review the complete infographic (found in the Chapter 2 resources in the Evidence Locker) titled What's Not To Like? Read the questions on the bottom (pictured above).
Open one of your own social media apps and reflect on the need to belong might affect how you interact with certain posts. What do you notice?
How can you replicate this activity with students?
