The algorithm never sleeps. It observes, learns, and adapts. Every tap, Like, and share recorded, analyzed, and used to fashion our feeds into echo chambers of familiar opinions and predictable emotions. Screens become addictive windows into distorted realities where misinformation and harmful narratives influence the way youth see themselves and the world.
Studies show the impact is poor mental health and other negative outcomes for young people in the classroom, and in life. The algorithm is tangible, driving our technology, and psychological, subconsciously reinforcing the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves—good or bad.
But algorithms aren’t invincible. They rely on patterns, and patterns can be broken by questioning narratives and thinking critically about the messages we consume and create.
Message Academy (MA) empowers youth to do just that and break the algorithm, navigate media safely, and reclaim their voice.
Message Academy delivers media literacy and SEL skill building modules to students (grades 8-12) in-person, via live instructor-led sessions, and virtually through a video masterclass series. Media art enriches MA’s active learning experience, bringing lessons to life through the creation of songs, podcasts, video content, and more.
Message Academy prioritizes values + identity, mindset, and skillset building equally. MA is not culturally responsive, it is culturally relevant–meeting young people where they are, not where we want them to be. Academy lessons are crafted in collaboration with youth and informed by their stated needs and interests. These attributes combined help us create safe and horizontal spaces where young people can develop their voice, thinking, and self-awareness.
This class gave me a chance to express my feelings about social media that most people ignore.
-Message Academy 9th Grader
*Available to schools and organizations in Greater Boston and Greater Toronto only
Bring Message Academy directly to your school! Enter your school or organization email below to download our program guide and dive into the details including curriculum insights, pricing, implementation options, and more.
COMING SOON
We’re excited to bring Message Academy’s transformative learning experience to schools and organizations worldwide through our forthcoming video series! These engaging, ready-to-use, modules provide educators and youth workers with seamless “plug-and-play” access—anywhere there’s a screen, sound, and internet connection.
Be the First to Experience “Behind the Lines!”
Discover how song lyrics shape thoughts, emotions, and identity in Message Academy’s first video module, “Behind the Lines.” Students will explore the impact of music on mental health and rewrite lyrics to tell their own powerful, positive story.
Join the Waitlist to get exclusive early access or pre-order for your classroom.
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