Social Media 101

Learning Objectives:

• Identify automatic thoughts that may lead to problematic social media use
• Recognize potential consequences of unsafe social media behaviors
• Apply cognitive restructuring techniques to social media decision-making
• Practice healthy boundary-setting in digital spaces

Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• Index cards
• Printed handouts of social media scenarios
• Pens/pencils for participants
• Timer/clock

Part 1: Ice Breaker – Digital Footprint Web

10 minutes

Purpose:

Build group cohesion while introducing the concept that our online actions leave traces and connect to others

Materials:

Ball of yarn or string

Facilitator Script:

“Welcome everyone to today’s session on navigating social media safely and thoughtfully. Before we dive in, let’s start with an activity that helps us visualize how connected we all are online. We’re going to create what I call a ‘Digital Footprint Web.’ We’ll pass this ball of yarn around. When you receive it, share one thing you posted or commented on social media this week that you feel good about—something kind, helpful, or that represented your best self. Then, hold onto your piece of the yarn and pass the ball to someone else in the circle.

I’ll start: This week, I [share a simple, appropriate example like ‘I commented on my friend’s art post to encourage their creativity’]. Now I’ll pass the yarn to…”

After everyone has shared and the web is formed

“Look at the web we’ve created. This represents the positive connections we can make online. Each post or comment connects to others, just like this web connects all of us. Our digital footprint—the traces we leave online—can build something beautiful and supportive. Now, imagine if some of these connections represented harmful posts or comments. How would that change our web? How might it affect others in ways we didn’t intend? In today’s session, we’ll explore how to make sure the digital footprint we leave creates positive connections rather than harmful ones.”

Part 2: Main Lesson – CBT Approach to Social Media Behavior

30 minutes

Part 2a: Identifying Automatic Thoughts and Triggers (10 minutes)

Facilitator Script:

“In CBT, we often talk about the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This is especially important when it comes to social media, where we might act quickly without stopping to examine our thoughts. Let’s identify some common automatic thoughts that might come up when we’re using social media:

• ‘I need to respond right away or they’ll think I’m ignoring them’
• ‘Everyone else is posting about their perfect lives’
• ‘No one will like me if I don’t get enough likes’
• ‘If I don’t share this, people will think I don’t care’
• Are there any others you can think of?
• When thoughts come up, how do they make you feel?”

Part 2b: Examining Consequences of Social Media Behaviors (10 minutes)

Facilitator Script:

“Our thoughts drive our behaviors on social media, which can have both immediate and long-term consequences. Let’s explore some of these together. I’ll start with some examples, and then I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Draw a T-chart on board labeled “Impulsive Posting” and “Thoughtful Posting.”

Under “Impulsive Posting,” list consequences:

• Posting content that could harm future opportunities (school, jobs)
• Damaging relationships
• Sharing information that compromises safety
• Regret or anxiety after posting

Under “Thoughtful Posting,” list consequences:

• Building a positive reputation
• Creating meaningful connections
• Protecting personal information
• Feeling confident about your digital footprint

“What other consequences can you think of for each column?”

“These consequences show us why it’s important to pause before we post. Now, let’s learn some CBT techniques that can help us make healthier choices online.”

Part 2c: Cognitive Restructuring for Social Media (10 minutes)

Facilitator Script:

“CBT gives us tools to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones. As we have discussed in previous groups, when these kind of unhelpful thoughts come up, we want to:

Let’s practice with the following scenarios:

• Someone posted an embarrassing photo of you
• Your friend is being cyberbullied in a group chat
• You’re feeling down and want to post something to get attention
• Someone is pressuring you to share personal information

By challenging our automatic thoughts, we gain more control over our behaviors online. Remember, the goal isn’t to never use social media—it’s to use it in ways that are safe and aligned with your values.”

Part 3: Closing Activity – My Social Media Values

5 minutes

Facilitator Script:

“For our closing activity, we’re going to create one actionable thing we can do this week around our social media presence.

What is one behavior you commit to practicing on social media this week?

Is there a reminder phrase you can tell yourself when you feel triggered to post impulsively?

Remember: your digital footprint matters, and you have the power to make it a positive reflection of who you are.”