New
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What is the social impact of digital media within a democracy?
I can explain the positive and negative societal impact that digital media has within a democracy.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
What is the social impact of digital media within a democracy?
I can explain the positive and negative societal impact that digital media has within a democracy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A democracy includes democratic values as well as being able to vote in elections, eg. respect, tolerance, rule of law.
- Digital media unites communities by coordininating support during crisis, supporting campaigns and celebrating culture.
- Digital media divides communities by the sharing of disinformation and hate speech, echo chambers and polarisation.
Keywords
Digital media - any content shared or created using technology
Communities - groups of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common
Value - a principle or belief that guides how people behave and treat others
Common misconception
Digital media can only be good or bad in relation to community cohesion.
Digital media can both unite and divide communities.
Many of the hashtags referred to in the lesson are still trending on social media, you may wish to carefully check these for suitability prior to the lesson and share with pupils.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is the correct definition for algorithms?
Which is the correct definition for algorithms?
a set of rules or steps made by people to make decisions
a set of rules or steps used by computers to make products
Q2.To look into something carefully to find out the facts is to do what?
To look into something carefully to find out the facts is to do what?
Q3.If information is targeted, it is what?
If information is targeted, it is what?
created to be consumed by all citizens
not directed to any particular group
Q4.When did the UK Undercover Voters project take place?
When did the UK Undercover Voters project take place?
2022
2014
2009
Q5.The UK Undercover Voters Project was run by ...
The UK Undercover Voters Project was run by ...
ITV
the Government
Channel 4
Q6.The UK Undercover Voters project came to the conclusion that targeted information likely did voting behaviour.
The UK Undercover Voters project came to the conclusion that targeted information likely did voting behaviour.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How can digital media help unite communities?
How can digital media help unite communities?
by spreading misinformation and increasing polarisation
by limiting access to diverse viewpoints
by creating echo chambers where people only hear similar opinions
Q2.Digital media can divide communities by creating where people only interact with those who share similar opinions, leading to greater polarisation.
Digital media can divide communities by creating where people only interact with those who share similar opinions, leading to greater polarisation.
Q3.Which of the following is an example of digital media promoting community cohesion?
Which of the following is an example of digital media promoting community cohesion?
social media users arguing over political issues
algorithms showing people content they already agree with
a celebrity blocking people with differing opinions
Q4.Match each statement to the concept it describes.
Match each statement to the concept it describes.
Q5.The use of on social media platforms can help raise awareness about issues and bring communities together around a shared cause.
The use of on social media platforms can help raise awareness about issues and bring communities together around a shared cause.
Q6.What is a potential negative impact of digital media on communities?
What is a potential negative impact of digital media on communities?
It allows people to share important information quickly.
It can promote community cohesion through shared goals.
It encourages democratic participation.
