The impact of social media
Lesson examines the impact of social media, exploring its effects on communication, relationships, and mental health.
Part 1
Warm-up
Watch this video, in your own words, what is social media?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
viral
/ˈvaɪrəl/
describing something that quickly becomes very popular, especially through sharing on the internet.
Her funny photo went viral on the internet
His dance video quickly went viral on social media
influence
/ˈɪnfluəns/
the effect that somebody/something has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that something works or develops
Movies can have a strong influence on young people.
She uses her influence to help others in her community.
cyberbullying
/ˈsaɪbərbʊliɪŋ/
the activity of using messages on social media, emails, text messages, etc. to frighten or upset somebody
Cyberbullying can cause a lot of stress and fear for those who experience it.
addiction
/əˈdɪkʃn/
the condition of being unable to stop using or doing something as a habit, especially something harmful
She is seeking help for her addiction to social media.
She fights her coffee addiction.
privacy
/ˈpraɪvəsi/
the state of being alone and not watched or interrupted by other people
Please respect my privacy.
They installed a fence to increase their privacy.
awareness
/əˈwernəs/
knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
She raised awareness about recycling in her school.
Wearing helmets can save lives, which is why we need more awareness.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Reading comprehension
Read the article and answer questions.
Teacher helps student correct their pronunciation.
The challenges of social media in the digital age
Social media’s influence is powerful in today’s digital world, allowing content to become viral in moments and spread globally. However, its impact isn’t all positive. Many users find themselves addicted to constantly updating and checking notifications, which can harm their mental health and productivity. Privacy is another concern; people often share personal details without realizing how this information can be misused by cybercriminals or companies.
Cyberbullying is also a significant problem, especially harming young users and creating a negative online environment. As these issues continue, it’s clear how important it is to be aware of the risks. Educating social media users on safe practices and understanding their digital presence is essential. By increasing this awareness, users can better protect their privacy, avoid the downsides of addiction, and help build a safer, welcoming online community.
Check your understanding
What is the essay about?
What are some positive impacts of social media mentioned in the essay?
What are some negative impacts of social media mentioned in the essay?
Sample answer
The essay is about the powerful influence of social media and its positive and negative impacts.
The essay mentions social media's ability to make content viral and spread globally.
Negative impacts include addiction, harm to mental health and productivity, privacy concerns, and cyberbullying.
Part 4
Sharing opinions
Topic: What are the positive and negative impacts of social media on individuals and society?
On this topic, you need to talk about the positive and negative impacts of social media on individuals and society.
Preparation (3 minutes)
Student has 2-3 mins to think about their opinions.
Suggesting points:
- Positive: Connectivity and communication, information sharing, educational support, business opportunities
- Negative: Time wasting, mental health concerns, privacy risks, misinformation.
Talk (8 minutes)
Student has 2-4 mins to present their opinion.
Teacher helps student to expand their ideas, think critically & more views about this topic (by asking more questions about this topic).
Example
The positive and negative impacts of social media on individuals and society
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with both positive and negative effects on individuals and society.
On the positive side, social media allows for easy connectivity and communication. People can stay in touch with friends and family, no matter the distance. It is also a great platform for sharing information quickly and efficiently. Educational support is another benefit, as students can access a wealth of resources and connect with peers and experts for help. Moreover, social media offers business opportunities, enabling companies to reach wider audiences and engage with customers directly.
However, there are also negative impacts. Social media can be a significant time-waster, leading people to spend hours scrolling through feeds instead of being productive. Mental health concerns are also prevalent, with many users experiencing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to online interactions. Privacy risks are another major issue; personal information shared online can be misused by cybercriminals or companies. Additionally, misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, leading to confusion and mistrust.
In conclusion, while social media offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to be aware of its downsides. Users should strive to use social media wisely, balancing its advantages while mitigating its risks.
Part 5
Discussion
Let’s use the vocabulary you’ve learned during the lesson and talk about the following topics/questions freely!
Teacher helps student expand and correct the answers
Do you like making friends online?
How often do you use social media?
How quickly does news spread on social media, and is that good or bad?
Can you really learn things on social media?
Are there any dangers to using social media for learning?
Why do people like to share things on social media?
Do you think people always post true information on the internet?
Do you think the internet has made our lives better or worse overall?
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
6 words and phrases in the lesson.
Debate on the positive and negative impacts of social media on individuals and society.
Discussing about the impact of social media, exploring its effects on communication.
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Practice vocabulary you learned in this lesson at home.
