Bursting the belief in filter bubbles: A single-class activity to enhance critical thinking on algorithmic personalization

This activity is suited for courses on online communication, political communication, media sociology, and concepts/theories in communication. It can be applied at different levels (bachelor, master, continuing education) and in classes of different sizes (from about 15 to several hundred students).
After having completed this activity, students will be able to explain the concepts “information intermediaries,” “algorithmic personalization,” and “filter bubble”; synthesize the state of research on filter bubbles; and critically and realistically discuss societal risks and chances associated with these phenomena.