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Curated Lives

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP | CCHS 2025-2026

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Essential Question

How can I create a social media presence �that represents the real me?

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WARM UP: REFLECT in class discussion

Is the you that people see online the real you? Why, or why not?

Is there actually even a real you?

• Is there a part of who you are that doesn't ever change? Your personality, your family role, etc.?
• Are there parts of you that can change? Due to circumstances, who's around you, etc.?
• How much of the ever-changing aspects of yourself should be showcased online?
• Are there things about you that shouldn’t be shared online?

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commonsense.org/education

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WATCH + DISCUSS as a class

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Be Honest: How much of what most teens post is staged like the examples in that video?

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Should someone’s social media and online presence accurately reflect their “real you”? ALL of their “real you”? Why or why not?

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commonsense.org/education

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KEY VOCABULARY

Curate

Selecting, organizing, and looking after a collection of photos, writings, or other artifacts

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There are many ways to think about your real self and your curated self, and how the two may or may not be related. It's important to recognize that being online presents opportunities to express yourself and to see the self-expression of others.

commonsense.org/education

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WATCH + DISCUSS as a class

To watch this video on the Common Sense Education site, click here.

Discuss:

• Which perspectives stood out to you in the video?
• Which did you agree or disagree with? Why?

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Final Discussion

• How much do you feel influenced by what you see online? From your friends? From "influencers"?
• How much of what you post and share online do you feel represents a core or essential part of who you are?
• How much do you use your online presence to explore new things or "try on" different ways of being?

commonsense.org/education

Shareable with attribution for noncommercial use. Remixing is permitted.

commonsense.org/education

Shareable with attribution for noncommercial use. Remixing is permitted.