Imagine advertising for a product but not being paid to do so. Welcome to the world of Viral Messaging. Class members first view a T-Mobile flash mob video that went viral and has been seen by over 14 million viewers. After analyzing the techniques in the video, the class watches three other videos that detail the strategies marketing companies use to get viewers to share their work and thus promote their products. Pairs then select one video from the Mind Over Media website that they would share and one they definitely would not share. The whole class compares their lists and share their rationale for their lists.

Concepts

media analysis, propaganda techniques, propaganda, advertising

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Have individuals keep a log about what they share and the reasons why they chose to share the item; then, have them analyze the techniques used in the item

Classroom Considerations

• The fourth in a series of six resources designed to help 21st century learners develop the critical thinking skills they need to recognize the propaganda in modern media

Pros

• The three-page resource includes a detailed plan, links to the related videos, worksheets, activities, and discussion questions
• The big idea here is that strong emotions short-circuit thinking

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.9-10.2 RI.9-10.4 RI.9-10.7 RI.9-10.8 RI.11-12.1 RI.11-12.2 RI.11-12.4 RI.11-12.7 RI.11-12.8