Trust Me, I’m an Algorithm
This B2 lesson looks at how AI is changing the way companies advertise to us. Students watch satirical videos showing an AI assistant slipping ads into real conversations, then discuss whether that kind of targeting is helpful or manipulative. The lesson covers vocabulary like personalized, ethical, and misleading, and ends with a role-play where students practice the experience from both sides.
Lesson overview
- Watch Anthropic satirical ads and discuss how AI targeting works
- Practice 10 vocabulary words linked to advertising, ethics, and manipulation
- Explore the ethical line between helpful AI advice and paid product recommendations
- Role-play AI assistant conversations with a hidden product recommendation built in
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Video Length | Lesson Time |
| B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 10 words | 1:00, 1:01 min | 60-80 min |
Vocabulary
- personalized
- implement
- daunting
- cash flow
- loan
- six-pack
- insoles
- manipulative
- ethical
- misleading
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary preview
- Definitions
- Preview discussion
- Video 1
- Questions
- Video 2
- Questions
- Comments
- Your comments
- Practice
- Role-play
Start by asking students if they’ve ever seen an ad appear at a suspiciously perfect moment. The lead-in on slide 1 works well in pairs and takes about five minutes. Slide 2 asks students to rate AI trust across different situations, from medical advice to travel recommendations. This usually gets things moving.
Go through the vocabulary on slide 3 before the videos. Students check what they know, then review definitions on slide 4. Ten words is manageable for B2 students, and most will know several already. It’s worth flagging “insole” before the second video so no one gets confused.
The two videos are around a minute each. Play the first on slide 6, then discuss using the questions on slide 7. Do the same with slides 8 and 9. The comment section on slide 10 works as a short break between the videos and writing practice. Students read real viewer comments, then write their own on slide 11.
Slides 12 and 13 are vocabulary practice. Slide 12 asks students to complete sentences using at least 10 words, which stops one-word answers and pushes them to use target vocabulary in context. Slide 13 has them spot and rewrite deliberately wrong sentences. B2 learners tend to enjoy that kind of error hunting.
The role-play on slides 14 to 17 is the strongest activity. One student plays a user with a genuine problem, the other plays an AI that builds trust before sliding in a product recommendation. Push the AI player to be subtle. Each scenario includes nine words to use, which keeps the conversation from going off track. End the class by asking where the line is between helpful advice and a sales pitch. That question usually runs long.
