By Renee Hobbs

Media Literacy IN ACTION

Questioning the Media

2nd
Edition

CHAPTER 3 How Do Search Engines work?

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Learning Outcomes

1. Understand how the internet has changed over time

2. Learn how AI and machine learning are reshaping how people access, use and create content

3. Consider the impact of algorithms on individuals and society

4. Reflect on how filter bubbles affect how people make decisions

5. Consider how people’s privacy and freedom is affects by big data surveillance

Algorithmic search technologies may be both a blessing and a curse

MEDIA LITERACY LEARNING MODEL

I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE

KEY IDEAS FROM CHAPTER 3

1. Because hackers threaten the privacy and security of information, effective control over data is important to the economy. Yet most people are unaware of the value of the data they throw off just by clicking, liking, and sharing.

2. Machine learning and artificial intelligence have become embedded in many digital platforms and services, and they are changing the way people search for information and make purchase decisions.

3. Algorithmic personalization may make internet searching easier, but it also may limit their exposure to new ideas and can reproduce and amplify stereotypes.

4. Government censorship and surveillance have been weaponized in many parts of the world through an army of paid trolls who harass and intimidate people anywhere in the world who dare to express ideas that are critical of those in power.

5. Europe is leading the way to regulating the internet in ways that give people choice and control over how their data is used, and some American states are beginning to enact privacy protections, too.

FACEBOOK THREATENING TO LEAVE EUROPE

I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE

CURATE INFORMATION WITH AI

Curation is a process of carefully selecting information to increase knowledge. When a list of online sources is carefully curated and annotated, it can be valuable to others. After reading this chapter, use some form of AI tool to explore a topic of interest to you and create a “Top 10” list of resources on the topic.

In creating your own high-quality annotated list of resources, you will need to use prompt engineering to generate your list. Be sure to include diverse genres and types of media, including at least one video, one news story, and one scholarly article. See if you can find information from people who have different perspectives or professional expertise, including ordinary people, scholars and researchers, company executives, activists, and other voices with something to say about your topic.

Remember: Be sure to carefully check the accuracy of all the content that you created with the help of AI. Then include a disclaimed statement that states, “NOTE: This curated list has been generated by YOUR NAME using NAME OF AI TOOL on DATE.”

YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING STRATEGIES

Reflect on your typical search process when you are trying to buy something online. When you are online, you might take on the following roles:

Navigator: You use menus to find what you are looking for.

Scroller: You like reviewing a lot of images to search for things.

Searcher: You use keywords to type in the name of things you are looking for.

Shopper: You use reviews from other shoppers who provide hyperlinks to products and services.

For the next few days, pay attention to your search processes as you engage in online shopping, and then reflect on your own patterns.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of these four roles and consider how and why you may mix these strategies at different stages of your shopping process.

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Join the Conversation!

Compose an informal video response that answers 1 or more of these questions:

• In what kinds of shopping situations have you found yourself using search engines?

• Do you notice any patterns about typical ways that you use search engines for shopping purposes?

• Can you describe one of the best experiences searching for something and one of the worst experiences you have had?

• Based on your experience, do you have any tips, tricks, or advice for other people who might want to improve their online shopping skills?

Contact a Member of Congress

Use the internet to learn more about the position of your Congressional representatives on the topic of internet regulation.

Are they in favor of increased restrictions to limit the risks of generative AI?
Should the U.S. develop unified privacy regulation like in Europe?
How does your member of Congress feel about the appropriate punishment for hackers who steal data?
What regulations are need for third-party providers?

Based on what you learn, write an email or compose a social media post that shows your awareness of your elected representative’s position and offers your own opinion on the topic.