The Wassermans, authors of books on media literacy for K–12 education and advocates for gender, ethnic, and immigrant equity in the workplace and schools, offer background for a series of classroom discussions and activities that explore the social issues around using the internet to learn, teach, and thrive. After examining how technology changes daily lives, social rules, and personal safety and presentations, they introduce Google Trends as a way of examining online and offline idea trends, and explore issues such as security, open privacy, time allocation, and opportunity costs across age groups. Lessons caution young people to be aware when navigating the internet and stress skills such as avoiding distractions, generalizing from individual cases, finding help online, overcoming the fear of missing out, and using online resources for fact-checking. After a unit on online individual and family interactions, the Wassermans explore the role of influencers and parasocial relationships on social life and trends. They conclude that “the internet is a tool ... the real power is in the user.” The book includes a glossary of terms to illuminate these ideas. Recommended. All readership levels.

Choice Reviews

The Social Media Diet provides a feast when it comes to examples of how media work to persuade us each and every day. This book gives teachers tools for teaching discernment, and students gain a peek behind the media curtain that often obscures their ability to distinguish fact from fiction and reality from narratives.”

Tessa Jolls, President, Center for Media Literacy

“Media literacy is the most important skill and learning it should be fun. The fun of The Social Media Diet: Helping Young People to Be Smart Consumers Online is that it invites students to use themselves, their friends and families as research subjects as they become more media aware and literate.”

Neil Andersen, President, Association for Media Literacy

The Social Media Diet tackles the impact of social media on decision-making, a topic that resonates deeply with today's youth. By delving into the art and science of decision-making in relation to social media, this book equips young minds with the critical thinking skills necessary to make informed choices and develop healthy media habits.

Dr. Wisanu Tuntawiroon, board member and Chairman of Information Technology Management, Government Savings Bank, and advisor on information technology, Office of the Auditor General, Thailand