SEE ALL UK LESSON PLANS
AGE 16–17Icon Uk UK LESSON PLAN

Can Media Be Addictive? (UK)

Are we addicted to our devices and, if so, are companies to blame?
See lesson slides
Lesson Slides
Featured Resource

The word "addiction" packs a heavy punch and the research is inconclusive on whether it's truly accurate when it comes to digital device use. What's certain, however, is that as people use devices and apps more, profits increase for the companies who make them. Help your learners recognise how most of the technology they use is designed to keep them hooked, and help them use this as an opportunity to find more balance in their digital lives.

See the US version of this resource

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyse and draw conclusions about a series of photos depicting device use.

  • Use online resources to track arguments for and against whether we are addicted to our devices.

  • Complete a short writing assignment analysing one or more aspects related to the device addiction debate.

Key Vocabulary: media balance   ·   addictive design   ·   humane design   ·   addicted  
media balance:
using media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with other life activities (family, friends, school, hobbies, etc.)
addictive design:
features or aspects of a device or app that are intended to hook the user into frequent use
humane design:
features or aspects of a device or app that prioritizes what’s good for people’s lives
addicted:
being physically or mentally dependent on a thing or activity, and continuing to do it despite negative consequences

Lesson Plan

60 mins.

What You'll Need

Classroom resources

  • Lesson Slides
  • Are We Hooked?
    Handout Teacher Version
  • Lesson Quiz

Take-home resources

  • Family Activity
  • Family Tips
© Common Sense Media. Lessons are shareable with attribution for noncommercial use only. No remixing permitted. View detailed license information at creativecommons.org
Lesson last updated: August 2022