Metropolis Debate Teacher Guide Metropolis Media Debate
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Grades 5-7
Objective
Students will analyze the ethical responsibilities of being both a producer (creator) and a consumer (viewer) of digital media. By the end of the lesson, they will collaborate to define a set of standards for responsible online behavior.
Pacing & Activities
05m
Warm-up: The Physical Analogy
Define "Producer" vs "Consumer" using non-tech examples like farming vs eating or cooking vs dining.
10m
Video: Entering Metropolis
Watch "Navigating the Online World". Focus on the dual role of users (5:13–5:39).
20m
The Great Metropolis Debate
Divide class into Producers and Consumers. Use the "Prank Video" scenario to debate responsibility.
10m
Closing: The Bill of Rights
Consolidate debate takeaways into a classroom Digital Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
Key Vocabulary
Producer Someone who creates or posts content (videos, photos, comments).
Consumer Someone who views, likes, or shares content created by others.
Algorithm Code that chooses what you see to keep you engaged/online.
Online Disinhibition Saying things online that you wouldn't say in person.
Preparation
Print Discussion Cards
Set up Slide Deck
Prep Chart Paper for Anchor Chart
Debate Facilitation Tips
Managing the "Prank Video" Scenario
The Producers
Their Argument Stance:
"It was just a joke; I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings."
"The viewers made it popular by sharing it—they wanted more!"
"If the platform didn't want this content, they would take it down."
Teacher Counter-Prompt
"If you create a mess in the hallway, whose job is it to clean it up? Does it matter if you 'meant' to spill the milk?"
The Consumers
Their Argument Stance:
"I didn't film it, I just watched it. I'm not the one who did it."
"Liking it isn't the same as doing it. It's just a button."
"I can't control what the algorithm puts on my feed."
Teacher Counter-Prompt
"If you stand in a circle and cheer while a bully is mean to someone, are you part of the problem? Does 'liking' a video feed the algorithm's fire?"
The "Metropolis" Perspective
The goal is to help students realize that digital citizenship is a shared responsibility . Producers are responsible for the intent and impact of their content. Consumers are responsible for the attention and engagement they give that content, which signals the algorithm to show it to more people.
Key Takeaway 1
Impact > Intent. It doesn't matter if you meant to be funny if the result is harm.
Key Takeaway 2
Clicks = Currency. Liking or sharing is how you "pay" the platform and producer.
Key Takeaway 3
The "Human" Rule. If you wouldn't say it to their face, don't say it to their screen.
Metropolis Debate Slides Metatropolis Simulation
Producers &
Consumers
Navigating the Digital Metropolis with Responsibility and Intent
Mission Objectives
01
Define the Dual Roles
Understand the difference between creating content (Producing) and viewing content (Consuming).
02
Analyze Platform Intent
Examine how social media platforms use algorithms to keep you online.
03
Debate Responsibility
Determine who is responsible for the consequences of online behavior.
Simulation Phase 1
Warm-up: The Creators & Users
Producer
A person who creates, posts, or uploads content for others to see.
Posting a TikTok Writing a Blog
Consumer
A person who views, likes, shares, or comments on content created by others.
Watching YouTube Scrolling Insta
Think: What is an example of a Producer and a Consumer in the real world (not tech)?
$$$
The Platform's Goal:
Keep You Online
Infinite Scroll
Content never ends so you never stop looking.
Notifications
Buzzes and pings lure you back into the app.
Algorithms
Code that predicts what you like to keep you watching.
Why? More time online = more advertisements seen = more profit.
Simulation Phase 2
Viewing: Navigating Metropolis
Segment focus:
5:13 — 5:39
Embedded media
Safety
Responsibility
Intent
Scenario Critical
The Prank Gone Wrong
A creator posts a "funny" video of them dumping ice water on an unsuspecting classmate in the library.
The video hits 10,000 likes. The classmate is crying in the background.
The Debate:
Who is responsible for the harm?
A The Producer (Creator)
B The Consumers (Likers)
C The Platform (Company)
P
C
Face Off
Producers
Defend your intent! It's just content creation, right? Is virality more important than safety?
VS
Metropolis Debate Cards Metropolis Debate Cards
Phase 3: Tactical Discussion
Mission Context
The Prank Gone Wrong
A content creator with 500k followers posts a "Funny Fail" video. In it, they surprise a classmate in the library by dumping a bucket of ice water on them. The classmate is seen crying and trying to hide their face. The video gets thousands of "likes" and hundreds of laughing-face emojis.
Impact Emotional Harm / Bullying
Engagement High Traffic / Virality
Role: The Producer
Defense Logic
"It's my account, I can post what I want. People choose to follow me."
"I'm just giving the audience what they want to see. Look at the likes!"
"It was just a prank. The person being pranked is taking it too seriously."
Ask the Consumers: "If you didn't like it so much, I wouldn't have posted it. Aren't you the ones paying me in attention?"
Producers Field Notes
Role: The Consumer
Defense Logic
"I didn't pour the water. I'm just a witness. I have no control over the creator."
"The algorithm put it on my feed. I'm just scrolling. It's not my fault I saw it."
"Hitting a 'like' button doesn't hurt anyone. It's just a digital emoji."
Ask the Producers: "You're the one with the platform and the power. Why should we be responsible for YOUR bad choices?"
Consumers Field Notes
Question 1
Does a "Like" signal permission to the producer?
Question 2
Is a joke still a joke if the person isn't laughing?
Question 3
Who owns the 'Key to the City' online?
Metropolis Digital Citizen Program • Secure Transmission 2026
Metropolis Bill of Rights Chart Digital Bill of Rights
& Responsibilities
Our Rights
Safety
The right to browse, learn, and play without being bullied or harassed.
Privacy
The right to keep personal information (name, age, location) private.
Expression
The right to share ideas, art, and opinions in a respectful way.
Control
The right to mute, block, or unfollow content that makes us feel bad.
Our Duties
Kindness
Post only what you would say to someone's face. Avoid "disinhibition."
Credibility
Fact-check before sharing. Don't spread rumors or "fake news."
Permission
Never post photos or videos of others without asking them first.
Balance
Know when to take a screen break and interact in the real world.
Metatropolis
Digital Citizen Program
Classroom Code of Ethics
Metropolis Field Notes Worksheet Metropolis Field Notes
Digital Citizenship Mission Log
Name:
Date:
Phase 1: Warm-up
A Producer creates content. A Consumer uses or views content. List two non-tech examples for each below:
Producer Examples
Consumer Examples
Phase 2: Metropolis Tour
Post 1: Art Contest
What is the intent? (PIE)
Post 2: News Article
What is the intent? (PIE)
Post 3: The "Joke"
What is the intent? (PIE)
Safety Check: 5:13 — 5:39
As you watch the segment on responsibility, list two things a producer or consumer did that were not safe:
Phase 3: The Great Debate
My Assigned Role:
Producer
Consumer
My Key Argument:
Property of Metropolis Digital Agency • Mission Grade: 5-7
