B2 – Upper Intermediate
Perhaps, three or four years ago, we were so engrossed in social media platforms. But as generative AI rises, many users feel that their feeds no longer contain contents that they can relate with or reflect their preferences or interests.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the way we use social media has changed over time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260108
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “downward spiral” mean? “Is social media on a downward spiral?” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “behemoth” mean? “We see the large social networks and the tech behemoths leaning into generated content, and I think users don’t actually want that.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “gravitate towards” mean? “I see people gravitating towards smaller online spaces, connecting more closely with individual voices, like creator types, and just posting less in general.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Is social media dead? Share your insights regarding this.
- Was there a moment for you when you felt like social media changed? In what ways?
- Do you think this is really happening nowadays, “People gravitate towards smaller online spaces, connecting more closely with individual voices, like creator types, and just posting less in general.”?
- Do you agree or not, “Social media was friendlier before – an online space to make friends, have fun and discuss the latest cultural happenings.”? Share your thoughts.
- Imagine a world where people use socmed less or not at all.