#ForYou: A Game about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

Organization

MediaSmarts

Published

2022

Project leader

Kathryn Ann Hill, Executive Director of MediaSmarts

Summary

MediaSmarts developed #ForYou—a card-based pattern-matching game about artificial intelligence and privacy that aims to help youth aged 13 to 18 to understand the role that algorithms play in their online and offline lives, as well as the value their personal information has to companies that use those algorithms. The game is designed to be delivered either in school or in community spaces, such as coding clubs.

The game is based on a prototype designed following MediaSmarts’ research, Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy, funded by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. MediaSmarts’ research showed that, while young Canadians understand and appreciate the benefits of recommendation algorithms, they are troubled by algorithmic data collection and data-sharing practices, and they are interested in learning more about recommendation algorithms.

#ForYou has three phases, each of which introduces a different way in which recommendation algorithms work:

• The Popularity Phase, in which players try to guess the optimization algorithm so that their video will be seen by as many people as possible
• The Advertising Phase, in which players try to solve the audience algorithm so that their ads will be seen by the right audience
• The Machine Learning Phase, in which players solve a new audience algorithm with the help of proxy data that lets them infer extra information about users.

#ForYou is available as both a physical card game and as a printable resource from the MediaSmarts/HabiloMédias website. It is accompanied by a lesson plan for grades 9 to 12 that is linked to curriculum expectations in each province and territory, a discussion guide (for use at home, in a workshop or in a community group), and gameplay demonstration videos.

Project deliverables are available in the following language(s):

English

• English (HTML document)

French

• French (HTML document)

OPC-funded project

This project received funding support through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s Contributions Program. The opinions expressed in the summary and report(s) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Summaries have been provided by the project authors. Please note that the projects appear in their language of origin.

Contact information

Kathryn Ann Hill
Executive Director
MediaSmarts
205 Catherine Street, Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1C3
Tel: 613-224-7721
Email: Kathryn Ann Hill