How A Social Network Is Bringing Communities Together in Divisive Times
Ask students: What book inspired Wood-Lewis to "create something that helps neighbors build community through mundane interactions?"
Large social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok have billions of users across the globe. The decisions they make about privacy, content moderation and misinformation can impact people’s social lives and mental health. A different kind of social network, one grown locally, might hold lessons for another way forward. Judy Woodruff reports for her series, America at a Crossroads.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- What is Front Porch Forum?
- Why did Michael Wood-Lewis start Front Porch Forum?
- What book inspired Wood-Lewis to "create something that helps neighbors build community through mundane interactions?"
- How is Front Porch Forum different from other social networks?
- Where is Front Porch Forum available to users?
Focus Questions
- Why do you think that Michael Wood-Lewis says that social media platforms that allow everyone to say anything they want are being highly irresponsible?
- Why do you think Wood-Lewis says he has no plans to expand Front Porch Forum, despite its popularity?
- Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this story chose to interview Paul Lyons and Maggie Riley about their experience meeting through Front Porch Forum?
Extension Activity
Watch the short video below to hear from two teens who reflect on how social media nearly ruined their friendship, then answer the questions below:
- Why do you think social media can be so addictive?
- Have you experienced anything similar to the two teens from the video concerning social media and friendships? Looking back, what did you learn from the experience?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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