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How AI systems shape online experiences

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how AI systems influence what I see online.

Key learning points

  1. AI systems recommend content based on data.
  2. Algorithms influence what users see online.
  3. AI recommendations can shape choices and behaviour.
  4. Awareness of AI systems supports digital wellbeing.

Keywords

  • Algorithm - a precise set of ordered steps which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task

  • Recommendation - a suggestion made by a system

  • Personalised - tailored to an individual

Common misconception

AI shows random content.

AI systems use data about users to personalise and recommend content.

Teacher tip

Model clearly how past clicks influence recommendations before asking pupils to evaluate impact.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

4 Questions

Q1.
Which example shows staged online content?

a live conversation
Correct answer: a carefully arranged photo taken after moving objects
a weather report

Q2.
Why might an online image not show the full truth?

because it always shows everything
because phones are broken
because the internet is slow
Correct answer: because it might be edited or only show part of the scene

Q3.
Which question shows critical thinking about online media?

How many likes does this have?
Is this popular?
Correct answer: What might not be shown here?
Do I like this?

Q4.
Edited means __________ from the original version.

Correct answer: changed
copied
shared
deleted

4 Questions

Q1.
Why might two people see different content on the same app?

their phones are different colours
Correct answer: AI systems personalise recommendations based on behaviour
content is random
one account is broken

Q2.
Match each term to its meaning.

Correct Answer:algorithm,a set of rules that a computer follows

a set of rules that a computer follows

Correct Answer:recommendation,a suggestion made by a system

a suggestion made by a system

Correct Answer:personalised,tailored to an individual

tailored to an individual

Q3.
Why can repeated recommendations shape a user's perception?

because they are always correct
because users cannot think for themselves
because content disappears
Correct answer: because it makes content feel more normal or important

Q4.
Which question shows an awareness of the influence AI systems have?

Is this popular?
Correct answer: Why am I seeing this content?
Do I like this?
How many comments does it have?

To help you plan your 5 digital literacy lesson on: How AI systems shape online experiences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...