CCST 9076
Attention Magnet: The Psychological and
Technological Aspects of Social Media Addiction
Tutorial 1: Introduction
Tutor: Amy Huilin ZHANG huilinzhang@[Link]
Aytuna Ying NA yingna_aytuna@[Link]
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Tutorial Outline
Tutorial (Date) Topic
Session 1 (Sep 11, 12) Introduction: Course arrange and requirements
Session 2 (Sep 18, 19) Activity: Argument construction and platform use
Session 3 (Sep 25, 26) 1st Debate Preparation: Should users or social media platforms hold the
accountability for social media addiction?
Session 4 (Oct 2, 3) 1st Oral Debate and Open Discussion
Session 5 (Oct 9, 10) Discussion: How does social media addiction affect our societies?
Session 6 (Oct 23, 24) Reflect on the 3 Day No Social Media Challenge
Session 7 (Oct 30, 31) 2nd Debate Preparation: Should there be regulations on the use of generative
AI in social media content?
Session 8 (Nov 6, 7) 2nd Oral Debate and Open Discussion
Session 9 (Nov 13, 14) Group Project Preparation
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Tutorial 1
1. Getting to Know Each Other
a. Brief introductions and ice-breaker discussions
2. Course Assignments Overview
a. Assessment and Timeline Details
b. 3-Day No Social Media Challenge
c. Debates
d. Group Project
3. Debate Group Selection
4. Group Project Organize
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Gather in a group of 3-4 and let's spice up the intros!
● Share your name, department, and any random fun fact about yourself.
● Which social media platform is your all-time fave?
● Do you think you’re a social media addict?
● What are your expectations for this course?
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Timeline & Course activity & Assessment
Task Activity Time Assessment Score Approach
In-Class Participation sign-up Before each class (lecture & 10% Individual
(10%) tutorial)
No Social Media Daily Reflection Journal Any three days between Oct 13 10% Individual
Challenge and Oct 18.
(20%) Reflective Report Oct 22 10% Individual
1st Debate Preparation AND Tutorial sesion 3 And 7 5% + 5% Individual
2nd Debate Preparation (=10%)
Debate 1st Oral Debate and Open Tutorial sesion 4 OR 8 20% Individual
(30%) Discussion OR
2nd Oral Debate and Open
Discussion
Group Report Final Submission Nov 26 20% group
Group Project
Group Presentation Nov 26 (Material upload Nov 25) 15% group
(40%)
Reflection and Peer Assessment Nov 28 5% individual
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In-class Participation
Ø Students are required to attend all lectures and tutorial sessions. Each lecture,
we will have attendance marking activities to check your participation. Each
tutorial, TAs will record your attendance based on your participation.
Ø If you cannot attend class, please submit a leave request in advance with a valid
justification (e.g., medical note, official notice).
Ø Unexcused absences will result in a proportional deduction from your final grade.
Ø We will upload your attendance for each class to Moodle afterward. If there are
any errors in the records, please email us to let us know.
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3-Day “No Social Media” Challenge
Objective: Reflect on the impacts of social media on individuals.
• Any three consecutive days within the period Oct 13–Oct 18, 2025.
• Refrain from using all social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
• Maintain contact via instant messaging tools (e.g., WhatsApp, email).
Output: Daily reflection journal & Reflective Report
• Daily reflection journal (10%)
• Reflective Report (10%)
• Deadline: 22 Oct, 2025 (23:59)
• Submission：Moodle
Success or failure in the challenge will
NOT affect the gradings!
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3-Day “No Social Media” Challenge
Daily Reflection Journal: Task
NSM APP
Reason for Desiring Did you use social media How Did You Resist the Urge?
Day Time Platform How do you feel right now?
to Use Social Media (Yes/No) Or, if not, why did you give in?
Example: Morning WeChat My morning routine habit is I felt anxious due to the No I did not give in. I always feel
1 day
st (8:00) (moments) checking Wechat moments intense fear of missing out on passionate and confident at the
and Instagram to see my any updates and messages. It beginning of the challenge, serving as
family and friends' posts. is just like something is a helpful tool to prevent me from using
happening without you, and social media. Therefore, I woke up
you can't access it. It made after checking my email and WeChat
me feel restless and messages and kept reminding myself
uncomfortable to break my that I needed to stay away from using
routine. social media.
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3-Day “No Social Media” Challenge
Daily Reflection Journal: Assessment
Authenticity and Self-Reflection Detail of Entries Language and Organization
Excellent Observations are genuine and reflect true All entries are completed on time. Entries are well-organized, making
experiences. Exceptionally detailed, including all necessary it easy to follow the progression of
Clear documentation of urges and triggers. components: time, platform, reasons for urges, and thoughts and experiences.
Thoughtful self-reflection that relates to personal coping strategies. Language is precise and free of
experiences. Provides a comprehensive view of daily experiences. errors; meaning is always clear.
Good Mostly authentic observations that reflect real Most entries are timely; generally clear, covering most Generally organized; most entries
experiences. necessary details. are easy to follow with minor
Generally clear documentation of urges and lapses.
triggers. Generally accurate language with
Some self-reflection present but may lack depth. few errors that do not impede
understanding.
Average
Acceptable Please refer to the document "CCST9076_AssessmentDetail_2025-26" in the file of "General" section for more details.
Unsatisfactory
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3-Day “No Social Media” Challenge
Reflective Report: Task
Reflective writing is a method used to examine and
understand personal experiences more deeply.
• Looking back on these experiences, analyzing them, and
learning from them.
• Think critically about your actions, decisions, emotions,
and responses.
• Make connections between theory and practice, and
enhance your personal development.
• About why it happened, how it affected you, and what
you can learn from it.
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3-Day “No Social Media” Challenge
Reflective Report: Assessment Further details will be introduced during the tutorial session 5.
Observations and Insights Depth of Reflection Clarity and Language
Excellent • Consistently articulate informed, thoughtful, • Develop extensive and highly perceptive self- • The language contains very few,
and critical observations on the experience understandings from reflective writings. if any, errors in grammar and
• Viewpoints are always clearly presented, • Consistently demonstrate a willingness and ability vocabulary. If slips are present,
meticulously supported with personal to subject own beliefs, values and behaviors to the meaning is still clear.
observations from the experience. critical scrutiny and an openness to change
Good • Demonstrate thoughtful and critical • Develop perceptive self-understandings from • The language is generally
observations on the experience reflective writings. accurate but contains a few
• Viewpoints are always clearly articulated, • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to subject systematic errors in complex
supported with some personal observations own beliefs, values and behaviors to critical scrutiny grammar and vocabulary.
from the experience. and an openness to change.
Average
Acceptable Please refer to the document "CCST9076_AssessmentDetail_2025-26" in the file of "General" section for more details.
Unsatisfactory
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Debate
Objective: Foster critical thinking and reflection on key issues related to the widespread use of social media.
Preparetion (Session 3): Understand the debate topic, synthesize
relevant information, and develop coherent arguments through
group discussion.
Oral debate (Session 4): 6 or 8 students will bedivided into two
Debate 1 teams, each defending one side of an argument related to the topic.
Preparetion (Session 7): Understand the debate topic, synthesize
relevant information, and develop coherent arguments through
group discussion.
Oral debate (Session 8): 6 or 8 students will bedivided into two
Debate 2 teams, each defending one side of an argument related to the topic.
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Debate
Each student is required to participate in only one oral debate.
But every student should participate in both preparation sessions (Tutorial 3&7), to
understand others’ arguments and actively contribute to the open discussion
Preparetion (Session 3): Understand the debate topic, synthesize
relevant information, and develop coherent arguments through
group discussion.
Oral debate (Session 4): 6 or 8 students will bedivided into two
Debate 1 teams, each defending one side of an argument related to the topic.
Preparetion (Session 7): Understand the debate topic, synthesize
relevant information, and develop coherent arguments through
group discussion.
Oral debate (Session 8): 6 or 8 students will bedivided into two
Debate 2 teams, each defending one side of an argument related to the topic.
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Debate
You will sign up for your debate session before Sep 15 (23:59).
Debate 1- session 3 & session 4 Debate 2- session 7 & session 8
Should users or social media platforms hold Should there be regulations on the use of
the accountability for social media addiction? generative Al in social media content?
Proposition Opposition Proposition Opposition
social media platforms Against or Limiting
Users should hold the Supporting Regulation
should hold the Regulation of
accountability for social of Generative Al in
accountability for social Generative Al in Social
mediaaddiction Social Media Content
mediaaddiction Media Content
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Debate
•Submission = full credit: As long as you submit the Debate Preparation
Debate preparation worksheet: Task
Worksheet, you will receive full credit for that component.
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Debate
Debate preparation worksheet: Task
Ø In this session, you will not only interact with your peers, but also work with a chatbot to finish
this Debate Preparation Sheet.
Ø You will communicate through our platform.
Further details will be introduced during the tutorial session 2.
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Debate
Oral Debate: Task
Ø There will be two teams of debaters. One team is assigned the
affirmative position (proposition), and the other is assigned the
negative position (opposition).
Ø Both sides should each state a clear position, support their
arguments with logical reasons, facts, or examples, and point
out and refute weaknesses in the opponent’s case in order to
persuade the judges or audience to accept their conclusion.
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Debate
Oral Debate: Assessment
Content Rebuttal
Structure & Organization
(based on the role) (based on the role)
Excellent • The stance is fully supported by appropriate, • Rebuttal is clear, logical, and successfully • The statement is highly coherent
novel, clear, and convincing arguments. countered the opposing team's argument. • Arguments are logically sequenced.
• Relevant, and extensive details are given. • Clearly listened and thought critically about • Topic and concluding sentences are
the opposing team's points. effectively used.
Good • The stance is supported with several • Rebuttal is closely related to the opposing • The statement is clear and organized
convincing arguments. team's argument. • Arguments are mostly connected
• Specific details are presented clearly most of • Clearly listened and showed clear sign of • Topic and concluding sentences are
the time. critical thinking about the other team's points. appropriately used most of the time.
Average
Acceptable Please refer to the document "CCST9076_AssessmentDetail_2025-26" in the file of "General" section for more details.
Unsatisfactory
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Group Project
Objective: Design the future of social media platform with the taught concepts and interdisciplinary thinking
l The rationale for developing this platform.
l The core features, functionalities, user interface (UI), and technical infrastructure.
l The ethical challenges and impacts of the platform.
Output
l Written Report (20%)
l Group presentation (15%)
l Reflection & Peer Evaluation (5%)
l Written Report Deadline: 26 Nov, 2025 (23:59)
l Submission: Moodle
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Group Project
Written Report: Task
The report should include the following parts:
○ Background & Introduction
○ Purpose & goal
○ Feature
○ User interface & experience
○ Ethical concern, Potential risk &Impact
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Group Project
Written Report: Task
In groups of (no more than) 6, you will work on a Word Document articulating the characteristics, technological
features and roles in people’s daily life of social media will be in the future. You will…
1. Set up your group and complete a group collaboration plan (By 19 Sep)
2. Decide on the new social media platform that your group would like to design, the rationale for developing
the platform, and the platform’s purpose (By 10 Oct)
3. Develop core features and technical infrastructures of the platform and develop a sketch of the user
interface (By 31 Oct)
4. Discuss any ethical concerns as well as the impacts of the new platform on the well-being of individuals and
society at large (By 14 Nov)
5. Finalize your document and upload a soft copy to Turnitin to check for originality (By 26 Nov 12:00)
You should register your group through Moodle, the grouping should be completed by 19 Sep. Forming
groups WITHIN tutorials is highly recommended.
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Group Project
Written Report: Assessment
Completeness Design & Usability Creativity
Excellent • Substantially address all five guiding • Userflow is seamless, intuitive,and logically structured,allowing • Creative suggestions for
artifacts. users to easily to use. a better future are
• Supporting findings and data are clearly • Core features are clearly explained,technically sound,and well proposed and discussed
presented integrated into the overall system. in detail.
• Sources are appropriately referenced • Key screens/prototypes are high-fidelity, professional, and • Feasibility of the
and cited. consistent, demonstrating strong UI/UX awareness and usability proposed solutions are
• Complete updates on time. testing considerations. substantially considered.
Good • Appropriately address the guiding • User flow is clear and mostly intuitive,with only minor gaps in • Original suggestions for
artifacts. clarity or efficiency. a better future are
• Present sufficient supporting data • Core features are well described and technically feasible, proposed and discussed.
• Sources are generally well-cited with though integration could be improved. • Feasibility of the
little referencing errors. • Key screens/prototypes show solid design principles and proposed solutions are
• Complete updates. usability, though polish or consistency maybe lacking in parts. considered.
Average
Acceptable Please refer to the document "CCST9076_AssessmentDetail_2025-26" in the file of "General" section for more details.
Unsatisfactory 22
Group Project
Classroom Sharing: Task
Ø Design a clear, information-dense yet readable
feature infographic poster that communicates your
social media platform’s core features, user flow, and
value proposition to non-technical audiences (e.g.,
potential users or investors).
Ø Include a 3-minute video explaining the graph’s
content, and attach it to the poster as a QR code.
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Group Project
Classroom Sharing: Assessment
Infographic Content Infographic Visual Design Video Presentation
Excellent • Clearly communicates a clear, compelling value • Information presented effectively • Confident and professional delivery
proposition and easy to follow • Clear and thorough explanations
• Includes all required elements and clear priorities • Aesthetic design and well- • Perfect time management
• Text is concise and precise; allows non‑ technical organized layout
audiences to quickly understand the platform’s • Creative use of figures, tables,
operation headings, and colors
Good • Value proposition identifiable and fairly compelling • Information presented clearly and • Delivery confident, moderately engaging
• Key elements mostly complete and priorities mostly easy to follow • Explanations mostly clear and complete
identified • Visually pleasant and organized • Completed presentation within allotted
• Text generally concise with minor redundancy or layout time, minor pacing issues
imprecision; non‑ technical audiences can basically • Effective use of basic figures, tables,
understand platform operation headings, and colors
Average
Acceptable Please refer to the document "CCST9076_AssessmentDetail_2025-26" in the file of "General" section for more details.
Unsatisfactory
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Group Project
Reflection & Peer Evaluation: Task & Assessment
• As part of the course requirements, each student will be
asked to evaluate both their own and their teammates’
performance at the end of the project.
• Your self-assessment together with your peers’
assessments of you will form the grade for this component.
• Therefore, we kindly ask every student to contribute
responsibly and actively to the group assignment so that
each member’s effort and performance can be fairly and
accurately reflected.
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Group Project
Suggest:
● Regularly update your work to reflect ongoing progress and improvements.
● Seek and incorporate suggestions and critiques from lecturers and tutors promptly.
● Engage in a shared writing process, allowing for joint editing and finalization of content.
Avoid:
● Do not wait until just before the deadline to complete group reports. This leads to a lack of
feedback, poor experiences, and potentially substandard results.
● Avoid working in separate workspaces or updating content on document by a single person.
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Type Sub-type Assessment Approach Score approach Proportion Total
1. Class participation On number Individual 10% 10%
2.1 Daily reflection journal On quality Individual 10%
2. No Social Media
20%
Challenge
2.2 Reflective report On quality Individual 10%
3.1 First preparation On participantion Individual 5%
3.2 Second preparation On participantion Individual 5%
30%
3. Debate 3.2 First Oral Debate
OR On quality Individual 20%
Second Oral Debate
Report On quality Group 20%
4. Group Project poster & Presentation On quality Group 15%
40%
On submission & On
Self reflection & Peer Evluation Individual 5%
quality
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Debate Group Selection You need to sign up for your debate session before Sep. 15 (23:59)
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Organize your group for your group project on the Moodle
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