How platforms shape what you see — and think
Platforms don't show you reality — they show you a curated version designed to keep you scrolling.
"Why do you watch a 30-second video and then look up 3 hours later?" Students share experiences. Teacher builds towards "this is by design."
Students are "ethical UX designers" hired by a fictional social media company that wants to redesign for wellbeing. (1) Audit a fictional app's dark patterns using a checklist. (2) Propose 5 specific design changes that reduce manipulation while keeping the app useful. (3) Mockup 2 of the changes as annotated wireframes (PowerPoint Online or paper sketch, photographed). (4) Write a 150-word pitch to the board: why ethical design is also good business.
Share best design change idea. Class votes: would this actually help? Would people use an app that was less addictive?
AI is increasingly used to make recommendation algorithms more effective at capturing attention. The people building these systems include AI engineers.
Dark pattern audit + 5 redesign proposals + 2 wireframe mockups + pitch paragraph
Track your own screen time for 3 days. Note which apps take most of your time and whether that feels intentional. Write a 150-word personal reflection.
Dark pattern checklist with image examples of each type
Research the Digital Services Act (EU) or Online Safety Act (UK) — what rules exist about dark patterns? Are they working?