Social media plays a significant role in shaping how young people think, feel, and engage with the world. However, as questionable information spreads on these platforms, helping students to think critically about what they see online has never been more urgent. Without the right guidance, young minds can easily be shaped by biased online narratives, and miss out on the broader perspectives they need to grow, thrive, and stay safe.
This article explores 3 forms of bias on social media, and how education settings can help students navigate them with awareness and confidence.
The social media echo chamber
The issue
Online platforms use algorithms to keep users engaged by tailoring content to their preferences, based on what they like, follow, search for, or engage with. While this creates a customised experience, it also risks reinforcing a narrow view of the world. When students are only exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, it can limit their understanding and create what’s known as an echo chamber.
This lack of variety in perspectives can lead to confirmation bias, where students increasingly believe they’re ‘right’ without considering alternative arguments. As a result, it’s harder for them to appreciate different viewpoints or engage in healthy debate.
For example: Engaging with posts about cars or gym workouts may cause boys to be recommended content around masculinity, including misogynistic narratives popularised by influencers such as Andrew Tate.
Repeated exposure to such content can cause boys to develop sexist views and dismiss the perspectives of those who do not adhere to the narrow definitions of masculinity and femininity glorified by these groups.
How to address it
Educators can help by encouraging students to actively seek out a wider range of content and viewpoints. Introducing discussions, debates, and classroom activities that highlight diverse perspectives empowers students to step outside their comfort zones.
By fostering open-mindedness and critical reflection, education settings can play a crucial role in helping young people break free from digital bubbles and better understand complex, real-world issues.
Misinformation and disinformation
The issue
With much of the news and content young people consume coming from social media and other digital platforms, it's increasingly difficult to tell what’s true and what’s not. User-generated content, while often engaging, doesn’t always meet standards of accuracy or accountability.
False or misleading content spreads quickly, particularly when it appeals to emotions like anger or fear. This may fall into the category of misinformation (false information spread by mistake) or disinformation (false information spread deliberately for a particular motive). Both can distort understanding of current events, shape public opinion, and lead to distrust in reliable sources such as mainstream news or educational content.
For example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, posts and comments claiming that the vaccine was part of a government plan to control the population spread online. Many were found to originate from anti-vaccine groups.
This type of disinformation can cause feelings of distress and mistrust in young people lacking the necessary critical thinking skills to separate fact from fiction.
How to address it
Schools, colleges and MATs can help students become more discerning by embedding media literacy across the curriculum. Teaching young people how to evaluate sources, question what they read, and identify bias can significantly reduce the likelihood of them falling for false or misleading information.
Simple strategies - such as checking the origin of a source, cross-referencing facts, or understanding how headlines can be misleading – can be introduced in many subjects, from English to history.
Misrepresentation of minority groups
The issue
Young people can encounter online content that presents minority groups in a narrow or negative light. Over time, these one-sided portrayals can influence students’ attitudes and reinforce harmful stereotypes, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Without access to diverse voices and authentic representations, young people miss out on opportunities to understand and value differences and may form prejudiced views.
For example: In the wake of terrorist incidents such as the Manchester Arena Bombing, anti-Muslim narratives often circulate online, focusing specifically on the religion of the attackers and presenting muslims as inherently violent - ignoring the diversity of these communities and the many voices within who condemn all forms of violence.
How to address it
Educators can actively counter this by promoting inclusivity and accurate representations of minorities as part of the curriculum. Encourage students to explore stories and sources that reflect a wider range of lived experiences, and create classroom spaces where diversity is celebrated and discussed openly.
Providing opportunities for direct engagement with different communities, perhaps through school partnerships or guest speakers, can help dismantle stereotypes and foster empathy and respect.
Digital literacy is a crucial skill
Building digital literacy is now a fundamental part of preparing students for life beyond education. As social media continues to influence how information is shared and received, the ability to think critically, question assumptions, and recognise bias is essential.
Education settings are in a strong position to help learners develop these skills. Through open conversation, practical tools, and inclusive teaching, educators can support students to become informed, thoughtful, and responsible participants in the digital world.
This article was adapted from Smoothwall’s Online Safety Hub. It’s just one of many resources available to help your staff and parent communities navigate student digital safety.
To learn more about the Hub or book a short demo, drop us a line at enquiries@smoothwall.com. We're here to help.
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