NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Large social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok have billions of users across the globe. The decisions they make about privacy, content moderation and misinformation can impact people’s social lives and mental health. A different kind of social network, one grown locally, might hold lessons for another way forward. Judy Woodruff reports for her series, America at a Crossroads.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What is Front Porch Forum?
- Why did Michael Wood-Lewis start Front Porch Forum?
- What book inspired Wood-Lewis to "create something that helps neighbors build community through mundane interactions?"
- How is Front Porch Forum different from other social networks?
- Where is Front Porch Forum available to users?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Why do you think that Michael Wood-Lewis says that social media platforms that allow everyone to say anything they want are being highly irresponsible?
- Why do you think Wood-Lewis says he has no plans to expand Front Porch Forum, despite its popularity?
Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this story chose to interview Paul Lyons and Maggie Riley about their experience meeting through Front Porch Forum?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the short video below to hear from two teens who reflect on how social media nearly ruined their friendship.
- Why do you think social media can be so addictive?
- Have you experienced anything similar to the two teens from the video concerning social media and friendships? Looking back, what did you learn from the experience?
Check out this lesson plan on how to safely set up social media accounts.
Written by Gianfranco Beran, PBS News Hour Classroom's production assistant, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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