B1 – Intermediate
A survey in 2022 revealed that young people between the ages of 13 to 17 use at least one out of five social media platforms more than several times every day. There are several effects of massive social media use on teenagers. The most alarming effect is the negative impact on their mental health.
Read the article and know more about the proposal by a top US doctor for social media platforms to put mental health warnings on their websites.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240620-social-media-health-warnings.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the meaning of the verb “address” in this context? “This is something the USA’s top doctor wants to address.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
- Define the word “youngster“.”He said algorithms lead youngsters to extreme sexual and violent content.” Use it in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of the word “profound“? In 2023, he warned that social media presented, “a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents”. Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about Dr. Murthy’s idea?
- What are the long-term and short-term negative effects of social media on teens?
- What are the positive effects of social media on teens?
- How does a display of mental health warnings on social media platform help reduce these negative effects?
- Do you think ‘healthy social media’ exists? If yes, how can we have it?