B1 — Intermediate
The European Commission is preparing to intensify its formal investigation into Meta Platforms over claims that it uses addictive design elements to keep children using its social media apps.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s official investigation into Meta Platforms.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-checks-meta-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “hooked on something” mean? “According to recent reports, EU regulators are preparing preliminary findings that accuse the tech giant of using addictive design practices specifically to keep children hooked on its social media platforms.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “breaching” mean? “This move follows previous charges from April, where the EU accused Meta of breaching tech rules and failing to block children under 13 from accessing its networks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “a landmark court verdict” mean? “In the US, the company is lobbying Congress for legal immunity against claims of harming children, especially after a landmark court verdict found both Meta and Google negligent in designing platforms harmful to youth.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Who should be most responsible for protecting children on social media: parents, schools, governments, or technology companies? Why?
- “Social media companies should face legal penalties if their platforms harm children.” Do you agree or disagree?
- Is social media helpful or harmful to children and teenagers? Explain your answer.
- Should children below 13 years old be allowed to use social media? Explain your answer.
- Do you think social media platforms are designed to keep users addicted? Why?