Title: Navigating the Influencer Culture: Understanding the Pressures of Social Media Influencers

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)

Learning Intention: To understand the pressures involved with social media influencers.

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Materials: 1. Whiteboard or chart paper 2. Markers 3. Handout: “The Influencer Culture: Unveiling the Pressures” (included below) 4. Internet access (optional)

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction (5 minutes) A. Engage students by asking them about their favorite social media platforms and influencers they follow. B. Explain that today’s lesson will focus on understanding the pressures faced by social media influencers.

II. Brainstorming Activity: Influencer Pressures (10 minutes) A. Divide the class into small groups. B. Provide each group with a whiteboard or chart paper and markers. C. Instruct students to brainstorm and list as many pressures they believe social media influencers face. D. After 5 minutes, have each group share their ideas with the class, and compile a master list on the board.

III. Discussion: Influencer Pressures (15 minutes) A. Using the master list from the previous activity, facilitate a class discussion on the pressures faced by social media influencers. B. Encourage students to provide examples or personal experiences related to each pressure. C. Discuss the potential impact of these pressures on influencers’ mental health, self-esteem, and authenticity.

IV. Video Analysis: “The Dark Side of Social Media Influencers” (20 minutes) A. Show a pre-selected video that explores the pressures faced by social media influencers. (Example: “The Dark Side of Social Media Influencers” by Jubilee) B. After watching the video, lead a guided discussion using the following questions: 1. What pressures were highlighted in the video? 2. How did the influencers in the video respond to these pressures? 3. What are the potential consequences of succumbing to these pressures? 4. How can influencers maintain authenticity and mental well-being in the face of these pressures?

V. Reflective Activity: “The Influencer Culture: Unveiling the Pressures” (10 minutes) A. Distribute the handout titled “The Influencer Culture: Unveiling the Pressures.” B. Instruct students to individually read the handout and answer the reflection questions. C. Allow students to share their responses in pairs or small groups. D. Facilitate a brief class discussion to summarize key insights and reflections.

VI. Conclusion (5 minutes) A. Recap the main pressures discussed throughout the lesson. B. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking and empathy when engaging with social media influencers. C. Encourage students to reflect on their own social media consumption habits and consider the potential impact on their mental well-being.

Extension Activities (optional): 1. Research Project: Have students conduct independent research on a specific social media influencer and analyze the pressures they face. Students can present their findings in a short presentation or written report. 2. Guest Speaker: Invite a social media influencer or mental health professional to speak to the class about their experiences and provide insights into the pressures faced by influencers. 3. Media Literacy Analysis: Assign students to analyze a social media post or campaign by an influencer, focusing on the pressures evident in their content. Students can present their analysis and discuss the potential impact on their audience.

Note: It is essential to create a safe and inclusive environment during this lesson. Encourage respectful discussions and remind students to be mindful of others’ experiences and perspectives.