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BeginnerGrades 7–10Social Media

Why does false news travel faster than truth?

The Viral Machine

Misinformation spreads six times faster than accurate information on social media. This course explores the psychology of virality — why we share, what triggers emotional responses, and how platforms are designed to amplify outrage.

5 lessons35 minGrades 7–10
Free

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Completion certificate included
Standards-aligned curriculum
Educator dashboard available

What you'll learn

Explain why misinformation spreads faster than accurate information
Identify the emotional triggers that make content go viral
Recognize platform design features that amplify false content
Understand the role of bots and coordinated inauthentic behavior
Apply a pause-before-sharing habit to your own social media use

Standards alignment

This course is aligned to the following academic standards.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.6 — Determine an author's point of view or purpose
ISTE Student Standard 2 — Digital Citizen
CASEL SEL Competency — Responsible Decision-Making

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