Impact of Social Media

people using phone while standing
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on September 18, 2020 and last updated on August 7, 2023

The impact of social media is an excellent conversation topic for English learners as it provides a relevant and engaging subject for discussion while helping them improve their language skills. By exploring the effects of social media, learners can practice expressing opinions, describing personal experiences and discussing the pros and cons of digital communication. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to develop vocabulary related to technology, social interactions and online behaviour.

Engaging in conversations about social media fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness and effective communication in the digital age.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Impact of Social Media

Social media has revolutionized how we connect and communicate, but it also significantly impacts our lives. With its widespread popularity, social media has influenced various aspects, including personal relationships, mental health and society as a whole. It allows instant information sharing, amplifies voices and provides platforms for self-expression.

However, concerns about addiction, privacy and misinformation have emerged. As we navigate the world of social media, understanding its impact becomes crucial for individuals and communities to harness its benefits while mitigating its potential drawbacks.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • connect (verb)
  • impact (noun)
  • influence (noun)
  • danger (noun)
  • beneficial (adjective)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • How often do you use social media? What platforms do you use?
  • What are some positive ways that social media has impacted your life?
  • How would it affect your life if you never used social media again?
  • Is social media dangerous for society?
  • What are the benefits of social media in society?
  • What negative effects can you think of social media has on society?
  • Do you think we are being used by the social media giants?
  • Do you think people would benefit from removing all their social media accounts?
  • Do you think social media has made society more connected or more isolated?
  • Is social media a useful tool for activism and social change?
  • Does social media have a positive or negative impact on young people's self-esteem?
  • Should social media companies be responsible for combating fake news and misinformation?
  • Is it better to have a balance between using social media and spending time offline?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.