The Ethics of Influence: How Social Media Algorithms Shape Our Values

~60 min · 15 stations

Start reading — Station 01

Conductor

The Conductor

All aboard for a deep dive into the hidden tracks of digital influence. We are mapping how your screen shapes your soul, so mind the gap between data and truth.

What you will learn

Read the stations in any order. Sign in to take the quizzes and earn Miles.

FOUNDATION

Establishes the core vocabulary and essential context you need before going further.

• Define how algorithms shape personal identity

Station 01: The Digital Mirror of Modern Values▶

• Compare traditional influence with digital systems

Station 02: The History of Human Influence▶

• Analyze how platforms structure user decisions

Station 03: The Architecture of Choice▶

CORE CONCEPTS

Unpacks the ideas and principles that the subject is built on.

• Explain the mechanics of positive feedback loops

Station 04: Feedback Loops and Personal Growth▶

• Identify how filters amplify existing personal beliefs

Station 05: Confirmation Bias in Algorithms▶

• Describe the business model behind engagement metrics

Station 06: The Economics of Attention▶

• List common cognitive biases exploited by software

Station 07: Cognitive Biases and Tech Design▶

MECHANICS

Examines how things actually work — the processes, rules, and systems in action.

• Evaluate the impact of prediction on free will

Station 08: Predictive Modeling and Agency▶

• Trace how data collection shifts personal values

Station 09: Data Mining and Value Drift▶

• Assess the need for transparent ranking systems

Station 10: Algorithmic Transparency Requirements▶

APPLICATION

Puts knowledge to use through real-world scenarios and practical problems.

• Propose features for user-centered algorithm design

Station 11: Designing Ethical Feeds▶

• Develop skills to resist manipulative digital patterns

Station 12: Digital Literacy as Defense▶

• Compare different approaches to regulating social media

Station 13: Regulation and Ethical Innovation▶

SYNTHESIS

Connects everything together and explores broader implications and open questions.

• Predict how future AI will affect human choice

Station 14: The Future of Human Autonomy▶

• Create a personal code for digital interaction

Station 15: Building a Personal Ethical Code▶

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General Public / 9th GradeAI Generated · gemini-3.1-flash-lite

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