Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

This blog was written by Samantha McAleese and three youth participants – Sahil, Erin, and Kate (pseudonyms used to maintain anonymity).

Reflections on Conducting Qualitative Research During a Pandemic

What comes to mind when you hear the word algorithm? Can you explain how machine learning works? Do you have any privacy or data collection concerns regarding the increased reliance on artificial intelligence? These are just a few of the questions that we asked young people in our recent qualitative research project Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy. From November 2020 to January 2021, we facilitated eight focus groups with 22 youth ages 13 to 17, where we combined game-based learning with discussion and reflection to gain insight into how young Canadians understand the relationship between artificial intelligence, algorithms, and privacy.

Internet & Mobile, Privacy

New Canadian research shows youth are thinking critically about the impacts of artificial intelligence

April 6, 2021

OTTAWA – A new Canadian report from MediaSmarts, Canada’s not-for-profit centre for digital literacy, calls for more algorithmic literacy tools and resources which will give youth the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their information online.

Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

MediaSmarts conducted focus groups with youth ages 13 to 17 to gain insight into how young Canadians understand the relationships between artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, privacy, and data protection. Participants played a game prototype designed by MediaSmarts’ education team, and a scaffolded learning experience allowed for in-depth discussion after each of the three phases of gameplay. These conversations highlight that while youth understand and appreciate the benefits of recommendation algorithms, they are troubled by algorithmic data collection and data sharing practices. This research is a call for more algorithmic literacy tools and resources that will give youth the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their information in digital spaces.

How to Report Hate Online

One of the best ways of fighting hate is to report it to the service or site that hosts the content.

Seven in ten kids say they would be more likely to respond to prejudice online if the website or app they were using had clear and easy-to-use tools for reporting unacceptable behaviour.

The COVID-19 Letdown

Lynn JataniaI feel like I should knock wood when I say this, but it feels like maybe, someday, this lockdown might be over.

We’re still in rocky days as I write this, with active cases not dropping off as much as we all would like, and shops and attractions not as open as we would hope. But the vaccine is getting out there, albeit slowly, and some of the people we know have even received it already. Progress is being made, and we can start to dream of a time when life opens up again and we feel safer and more able to do the things we love to do.

Digital Health, Excessive Internet Use, Parents

Managing Your Passwords Online

Lynn JataniaOur older two teens are close to finishing high school, and we’re starting to think about moving them into the adult phase of their lives. That means managing their own online presence and technology, and making sure they have full ownership of their profiles.

And that led to the big password talk.

Cyber Security, Parents, Privacy

Quebec Competencies Chart - Mixed Signals: Verifying Online Information

Author: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts
Level: Grades 7-9
Lesson Length: 60-75 minutes
Subject Area: English Language Arts, Visual Arts, Ethics and Religious Culture
Lesson Link: https://mediasmarts.ca/teacher-resources/mixed-signals-verifying-online-information

Check then share

The Family Chat

Lynn JataniaOur youngest is about to turn 14, and that means it’s time for the last member of our family to get her own cell phone.

We decided back when our oldest was heading off to high school that age 14, Grade 9, is cell phone time for our family. We’ve been happy with that decision – it seemed like the right time in terms of maturity, and also it became clear that having a phone to use in class at high school was beneficial and even expected.

Cell Phones and Texting, Excessive Internet Use, Internet & Mobile, Parents, Social Networking

Media Literacy Week Workshops