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Conversation Advance · Module 21 · Unit 102

Influence of Social Media

C2 Proficient Upper

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss the influence of social media and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. How much time do you spend on social media daily?
  2. Has social media ever influenced a decision you made?
  3. Do you think you could easily log off for a month?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Algorithm

    noun

    /ˈælɡərɪðəm/

    Meaning:A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations by a computer.

    The social media algorithm shows me exactly what I like.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common term when discussing digital life.

  • Validation

    noun

    /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃn/

    Meaning:Recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.

    Many people seek social media validation through likes.

    Real Life Tip:

    Refers to the psychological aspect of online behavior.

  • Log off

    phrasal verb

    /lɒɡ ɒf/

    Meaning:To exit a computer system or social media platform.

    I try to log off by eight in the evening.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe disconnecting from the digital world.

  • In the loop

    idiom

    /ɪn ðə luːp/

    Meaning:To be well-informed about something.

    Social media helps me stay in the loop with my friends.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very common in both professional and social settings.

  • Doomscrolling

    slang

    /duːmˌskroʊlɪŋ/

    Meaning:The act of spending a long time looking at bad news on social media.

    I was doomscrolling until two in the morning.

    Real Life Tip:

    A widely recognized term for a negative digital habit.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Kevin and Jennifer are talking about their digital habits while relaxing on the couch.
  • Kevin
    I feel like I am always doomscrolling lately. I need a break.
  • Jennifer
    I understand. The algorithm is designed to keep you hooked.
  • Kevin
    It is true. I think I am just seeking external validation.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why does Kevin want to take a break from social media?
  2. What does Jennifer suggest they do?
  3. What is Kevin worried about if he logs off?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is doomscrolling?

  2. What is an algorithm?

  3. I need to log ____ of my account.

  4. I want to stay in the ____.

  5. validation / seek / always / they

  6. is / hooked / algorithm / the

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Do you think the algorithm knows your interests too well?
  2. How do you handle the pressure of social media validation?
  3. When is the best time for you to log off?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How can I avoid doomscrolling?
  2. Why is it so hard to stay out of the loop?
  3. Does social media really affect mental health?
  4. How do I manage my screen time?
  5. Are algorithms changing how we think?
  6. How can I get validation from real-life sources instead?
  7. Is social media usage ever truly healthy?
  8. How do I explain social media to my children?
  9. Why do we feel the need to be connected 24/7?
  10. How can I use social media more positively?
Jennifer
Well, we should log off and do something else for a while.
  • Kevin
    I worry about not being in the loop with everyone, though.
  • Jennifer
    Trust me, you will not miss anything important.
  • Kevin
    You are right. Let us put the phones away.
  • Jennifer
    Sounds like a plan. My mental health will thank us.