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See-Think-Reflect
See-Think-Reflect
What did you notice about the photos in the "Removed" photo collection?
What did you notice about the photos in the "Removed" photo collection?
Activity
Activity
Are We Hooked?
Are We Hooked?
Complete Part 1 of the Are We Hooked worksheet. Use the website above of the Removed photo collection by artist Eric Pickersgill to See-Think-Reflect. (Make a copy of google doc to fill in sections)
What were some take aways from this activity?
What were some take aways from this activity?
One interpretation of the photos is that by removing the devices, the viewer is prompted to notice and think about how our phones make us oblivious to everything around us. In this way, our devices can seem like an obsession, like something we're addicted to.
Addicted
Addicted
Addicted as being physically or mentally dependent on a thing or activity, and continuing to do it despite negative consequences.
Note:
Note:
In this lesson the term "addiction" is used in reference to how people may feel when using digital media. It's important to remember there is no official diagnosis for "device addiction" or consensus around what this phrase means. Moreover, the line between healthy and harmful use varies person to person and context to context.
In this lesson the term "addiction" is used in reference to how people may feel when using digital media. It's important to remember there is no official diagnosis for "device addiction" or consensus around what this phrase means. Moreover, the line between healthy and harmful use varies person to person and context to context.
Do you think this is the case? Are we addicted to our phones?
Do you think this is the case? Are we addicted to our phones?
Here are some example arguments:
Yes, we are addicted:
Whenever I don't have my phone, it feels weird. I think about it a lot.
I check my phone all the time without even thinking about it.
I use my phone even when I'm not supposed to or when I should be doing something else.
No, we are not addicted:
I only use my phone when I want to. I have no problem putting it down or not checking it.
I use my phone a lot, but I could easily stop if I needed to.
Using my phone makes me happy and is fun to use, there's no reason not to use it a lot.
While there is no official diagnosis or consensus about the term "device addiction," and people have very different perspectives on it. Some people talk about the issue more in terms of media balance.
While there is no official diagnosis or consensus about the term "device addiction," and people have very different perspectives on it. Some people talk about the issue more in terms of media balance.
Media Balance
Media Balance
Media balance is using media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with other life activities (family, friends, school, hobbies, etc.). In today's lesson, we're going to think about ways we can find our own sense of media balance.
Different Perspectives
Different Perspectives
Complete Part 2 of the Are We Hooked worksheet.
Directions:
Directions:
Complete Part 2 of the Are We Hooked worksheet. If at home complete by yourself or with a friend, if you are in school complete with the whole class.
Read the Article: Screen Addiction Among Teens: Is There Such a Thing? (NPR.org).
When you finish reading fill out the first row of the table on page 2 and list examples from the article as for or against "device addiction".
Are we addicted? Yes or No?
Are we addicted? Yes or No?
Here are some examples from the article for or against:
Yes, we are addicted:
Effects on the brain and the dysfunction caused by addiction to video games and internet use clearly exists.
Companies make money from advertising, so they design their products to maximize the amount of time you spend using them.
No, we are not addicted:
Psychiatrists don't list "technology addiction" as an official diagnosis.
It isn't clear whether media can cause changes in your brain and create a true physical dependency.
It is more accurate to see media overuse as a symptom of something else, like depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Did you notice?
Did you notice?
Tristan Harris talked about using a more humane approach in the section "A public health approach." His work focuses on how apps and devices are designed.
Tristan Harris talked about using a more humane approach in the section "A public health approach." His work focuses on how apps and devices are designed.
Listen to this interview for a more in depth discussion.
Listen to this interview for a more in depth discussion.
Addictive Design
Addictive Design
Addictive design: features or aspects of a device or app that are intended to hook the user into frequent use.
Humane Design
Humane Design
Humane design: features or aspects of a device or app that prioritize what's good for people's lives.
Explore
Explore
Complete Part 3 of the Are We Hooked worksheet.
Directions:
Directions:
Complete Part 3 on the Are We Hooked worksheet with a partner or by yourself.
Choose TWO resources listed below and take notes in the table on the Are We Hooked worksheet on page 2.
Choose TWO resources to review:
Choose TWO resources to review:
Are we addicted to our devices? Why, or why not?
Are we addicted to our devices? Why, or why not?
Here are some examples from the video arguing why:
Yes, we are addicted:
Our devices are designed to keep us engaged (0:24).
Everything (online) is coordinated to entertain you without you knowing (0:51).
Today's apps send you push notifications, which are unpredictable in terms of what they're telling you, which gives them an addictive quality, like slot machines (2:50).
Apps use warm colors (like bright red) for design and for notifications because your brain is more likely to pay attention or be distracted by them (3:15).
Some apps use infinite scrolling or video autoplay so there aren't natural stopping points, and you're more likely to use them continuously for long periods of time (4:33).
No, we are not addicted:
There are simple tricks you can do to not feel as addicted to your device, like:
Turning off notifications that are not caused by a real person trying to contact you.
Using grayscale on your phone.
Restricting your home screen to only apps that are functional for your daily life (taxi, maps, etc.).
Do you agree with these points? Why or why not?
Here are some examples from the article arguing why:
Yes, we are addicted:
Even teens (60%) think they spend too much time online. Nine out of 10 see it as a problem.
One pediatrician says kids are addicted because "it works the same as a drug."
The goal of YouTube and other apps is to keep you looking. Those are different from the goals you wake up with every day.
Seventy-two percent of parents and 51% of teens think the other is often distracted by their phone when having real-life conversations.
No, we are not addicted:
Others say technology might be changing behavior, but it hasn't reached the level of "addiction."
A majority of both parents and teens say they are trying to cut back on their device use and limit their use of social media.
Do you agree with these points? Why or why not?
Here are some examples from the video arguing why:
Yes, we are addicted:
People are using technology despite some serious repercussions related to overuse::
Increase in anxiety
Decrease in ability to focus
Boredom
Feeling unable to talk to someone face-to-face
No, we are not addicted:
People are more "obsessed" with technology than "addicted." Obsession is due to a buildup of anxiety-related chemicals in the brain that make you feel like you need to check your device constantly to reduce those chemicals. Addiction is more related to your brain wanting pleasure.
People can't really judge for themselves whether they are addicted or not; only other people in their lives can tell them whether they are distracted or less social because of their device use.
Do you agree with these points? Why or why not?
Here are some examples from the article arguing why:
Yes, we are addicted:
Some people think that "phubbing," or checking your phone during a real-life conversation or meeting, is a sign that we're addicted.
Some parents worry that their kids are addicted because they spend a lot of time in their rooms on their device.
No, we are not addicted:
Addiction is when a habit becomes an obligation, which is not accurate for how people use their devices.
People use their devices because of their entertainment value and convenience.
What we do on our devices replaces something we already used to do, just with less hassle (like TV without commercials).
When we're distracted in real-life conversations, it's not because of the device; it's because the conversations don't require our full attention.
Teens have always found ways to tune out their parents and connect with their friends; it's not because of devices.
Do you agree with these points? Why or why not?
Take A Stand
Take A Stand
Complete Part 4 of the Are We Hooked worksheet by choosing Option A or Option B.
Think about the different articles and videos you reviewed and choose one of the two assignments to complete based on your opinions.
Think about the different articles and videos you reviewed and choose one of the two assignments to complete based on your opinions.
Option A:
Option A:
Write a letter to the executives of one of your favorite apps (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram) or digital media companies (e.g., Netflix, YouTube), providing recommendations for how they can use humane design when developing their products. Identify specific features you would change or add to the product, and be sure to justify your reasoning.
Option B:
Option B:
Is tech addiction real? Write a two-paragraph opinion piece in response to this question. Be sure to justify your answer, referencing specific resources from Part 2 (or new ones you come across in your research). Consider some of the following questions when developing your response:
What is addiction? How do you define addiction?
Is there a difference between addiction and being "hooked"?
Is there a criteria you would use to determine whether or not someone is addicted to technology?
In your response, identify one thing you plan to do to create more media balance in your life.
What Will You Do To Take A Stand?
What Will You Do To Take A Stand?
Lesson Quiz
Lesson Quiz
Family Tips
Family Tips
Digital Citizenship Family Activity:
Digital Citizenship Family Activity:
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