Tag: technology

Meta Ends its Fact-Checking Program

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital world, misinformation seems to be everywhere.
Due to the anonymity social media platforms provide, the reach and speed of misinformation creates a ground for the proliferation of false narratives. This is why Meta launched its independent, third-party fact-checking program in 2016. Less than a decade later, Meta is ditching fact-checkers in the US.

Let’s read the article and know more about these changes in the Meta platform. You may also watch the video.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/meta-ends-fact-checking-program-community-notes-x-rcna186468

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “hot-button issue” mean? “Beyond the end of the fact-checking program, Zuckerberg said, the company will eliminate some content policies around immigration, gender and other hot-button issues and refocus its automated moderation systems on what he called “high severity violations,” relying on users to report other violations.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What is “legacy media“? “Zuckerberg pointed to the election as a major influence on the company’s decision and criticized “governments and legacy media” for, he alleged, pushing “to censor more and more.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to get back to one’s roots” mean? “We’re going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms,” Zuckerberg said in a video. Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on Meta’s decision to end third-party fact-checking?
  2. What do you think are the impacts this decision will have on Facebook in the long run?
  3. Share your thoughts on a community-driven fact-checking system.
  4. In your opinion, should social media companies be responsible for fact-checking information on their platforms? Explain your stance.
  5. What can one do when they come across misinformation or fake news on social media?

Rage-Baiting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s world of social media and digital news, emotions drive engagement. Rage-baiting—content purposely designed to spark anger or outrage—has become a common tactic to exploit this. But what makes it so effective, and how does it generate profit for platforms and content creators?

Read this article to learn about the profits of rage-baiting.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp555xy5ro

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “the grip something has on something else” mean? “But the grip negative content has on human psychology is something that is hardwired into us, according to Dr William Brady, who studies how the brain interacts with new technologies.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “to come from a place of something”. “As marketing podcaster Andrea Jones notes: ‘A hook reflects what’s in that piece of content and comes from a place of trust, whereas rage-baiting content is designed to be manipulative.’” Use this in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “to bask in something”? “Winta is part of a growing group of online creators making ‘rage bait’ content, where the goal is simple: record videos, produce memes and write posts that make other users viscerally angry, then bask in the thousands, or even millions, of shares and likes.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some common examples of rage-baiting content?
  2. Do you think rage-baiting is a harmful tactic in social media, or is it just part of the game? Share your thoughts.
  3. How can users recognize and avoid falling for rage-baiting content?
  4. Is it fair to say that social media platforms profit from user outrage, or is it a natural result of user behavior? Explain your stand.
  5. In your opinion, what could be done to promote healthier online engagement, aside from limiting rage-baiting?

Tech that Refuses to Die

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

Technology is constantly changing. That is perhaps the most exciting thing about it. However, do you notice how there are some old pieces of technology that we keep using up to now? 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some old technology that refuse to be obsolete.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241017

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “wind up” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “clockwork” mean? “Conditions on Venus mean that ordinary electronics simply won’t work. That’s why Jonathan built a clockwork rover, a machine with springs and wheels inside which works when it’s wound up with a key.” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mean, “Yes, it seems that some old technology just refuses to die – maybe because people still love it, or maybe because of the old English proverb, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some reasons for not updating technology in some cases?
  2. Do you think the old English proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” applies to technology? Explain your thoughts on this.
  3. What old tech that you see are still being used in your city? How about in your company?
  4. What technology you never want to be obsolete? Why?
  5. Which obsolete piece of technology do you wish we still use until now? Why?

Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In December 2024, Australia introduced a strict new law that stops children under 16 from using social media. The goal is to protect kids from dangers like online bullying and mental health problems. Big platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook could be fined up to 50 million AUD ($33 million USD) if they don’t block underage users. Unlike other countries, Australia won’t make exceptions for parents giving permission, and old accounts won’t be allowed to stay active.

Watch the video below and be able to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the informal phrase “I got your back” mean? “Banning social media use for children under 16 is the strictest regulation of its kind globally. “We’ve got your back” is our message to Australian parents.” Make your own sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the word “loophole” mean? “Young Australians affected by the ban say they would resort to finding loopholes.” Use the word in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “to go behind one’s back” mean? “Teens are going to go behind their parents’ backs if they are banned from social media.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What potential benefits and drawbacks could arise from banning social media for children under 16 in Australia?
  2. Do you think banning social media for children under 16 is the best way to protect their mental health, or are there better alternatives?
  3. Should governments have the authority to restrict access to social media for specific age groups, or should this be a parental responsibility?
  4. How might this law affect the development of digital literacy and social skills among young people in Australia?

Apple’s New AirPods Are Also Hearing Aids

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Hearing loss can have a great impact on one’s quality of life.
While aging adults are more commonly affected by it, people of all ages can be affected too. There are several ways to deal with this condition such as cochlear implants or something less invasive such as assistive devices or hearing aids.

Let’s read the article and know more about this earphones that could be used as hearing aids.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/10/tech/apple-airpods-pro-hearing-aids/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the “clinical grade” mean? “The company said the wireless headphones will double as clinical-grade over-the-counter hearing aids for those who need them.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. What does the term “over-the-counter“? “Over-the-counter hearing aids, such as Apple’s offering, also are not a treatment for “severe or profound” hearing loss, according to the FDA.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What does the phrase “to open up the market” mean? “She had hoped for an announcement like Apple’s after the FDA opened up the market to over-the-counter offerings two years ago.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the hearing aid update for AirPods?
  2. What is your opinion on the importance of normalizing hearing aids?
  3. What health features or apps does your mobile phone have? What feature/s do you wish it had?
  4. Share your thoughts on this, “Today’s marketing authorization of an over-the-counter hearing aid software on a widely used consumer audio product is another step that advances the availability, accessibility and acceptability of hearing support for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.“.

SpaceX Catches Starship Rocket Booster Intact

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The SpaceX booster landing represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and space travel efficiency. On October 14, 2024, SpaceX successfully executed the unprecedented capture of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket’s first stage using mechanical arms, known as “mechazilla”.

This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for fully reusable rockets but also aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of making life multiplanetary. The successful landing and capture mark a pivotal moment in reducing costs associated with space exploration and increasing launch frequency.

Watch the video and get a glimpse of the advancement of space traveling.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is the “all eyes on someone/something”? “All eyes were on Boca Chica Texas as the Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘all eyes on sb/sth’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does the noun “booster” mean here, “Getting its booster to land not in the ocean but instead guiding it back to the same Launchpad into a pair of giant mechanical arms.”? Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrasal verb “blow someone away” mean? “I mean, to see this even live was… It blew me away to watch it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘blow someone away’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, explain the “chopsticks maneuver”. What can you say about this space launch technology?
  2. Share your insights about this, “SpaceX has grown to dominate the space launch business. But for some, that dominance poses another risk — the politicization of space exploration.”
  3. Share your opinion on this, “Elon Musk routinely promotes his far-right views on his social media platform and financially-backs Trump.“
  4. How important is space exploration?
  5. What do you think would be the highlights of space travel in the future?

Touchscreens Out, Bring Back Buttons

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The popularity of touch screens in modern devices is beginning to change, as both manufacturers and users start to appreciate physical buttons again. Touch screens offer sleek designs and flexible features, but they can also be frustrating with accidental taps, no physical feedback, and difficulty using them without looking.

Because of this, there’s a rising interest in bringing back physical buttons, particularly in cars, smartphones, and other devices where accuracy and ease of use are important. This shift aims to combine the convenience of new technology with the comfort and reliability of buttons.

Watch the video to learn more about this hot “button” issue and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “toggle” mean? “You have an array of toggles at the bottom as well as customizable buttons on the steering wheel.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does “tactile feedback” mean? “With the push to bring back buttons, manufacturers aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining the tactile feedback of physical controls with the modern functionality of touchscreens.” Use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does “into high gear” mean? “With the demand for tactile feedback growing, the push to bring back buttons has shifted into high gear.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘into high gear’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think physical buttons offer a better user experience than touch screens? Why or why not?
  2. How important is tactile feedback to you when using devices like smartphones or car controls?
  3. Do you believe that the return of physical buttons is just a temporary trend, or is it here to stay? Explain.
  4. In what types of devices do you think physical buttons would be most beneficial, and why?
  5. How might a shift back to physical buttons impact the design and functionality of future technology?

Living Computers Made from Human Neurons

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Scientists are now looking into using living brain cells to build computers that work differently from the traditional ones. These biological systems, modeled after the brain, could potentially process information more efficiently and adaptively. This new approach might significantly impact fields like AI and healthcare by taking advantage of how neurons naturally function.

Read this article and delve into these living computers made from human neurons.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/these-living-computers-are-made-from-human-neurons/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “sticking point” mean? “Sticking points remain for organoid computing’s ability to compete with silicon on a large scale.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘sticking point’ in your own sentence.
  2. Define “bedrock“. “Artificial intelligence systems, even those as sophisticated as ChatGPT, depend on the same silicon-based hardware that has been the bedrock of computing since the 1950s.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘bedrock’ in your own sentence.
  3. What is an “organoid“? “This approach uses synthetic biology, such as miniature clusters of lab-grown cells called organoids, to create computer architecture.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s your impression on these living computers?
  2. What ethical concerns arise from using living brain cells in technology? Should there be limits on how far this can go?
  3. Do you think biological computers could eventually replace normal computers, or will they just be used for different tasks? Elaborate.
  4. Could this technology lead to a future where human brains are connected to computers? Share your insights. If so, how could that change our lives?
  5. What could be the risks of creating computers that think like human brains?

Australia to Ban Children from Using Social Media 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Australia is thinking about stopping children from using social media to protect them from online risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy issues. The new rules would require strict checks to confirm age and block access for younger kids. Supporters believe this will help protect children’s mental health, but some people are concerned it might be hard to enforce and could limit personal freedom. This decision reflects a wider global conversation about keeping kids safe online.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the phrasal verb “to clamp down on” mean? “The Prime Minister wants to clamp down on young people’s use of social media.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  2. What does the expression “worried sick” mean? “Parents are worried sick about the effect of social media to their children.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
  3. Explain the “sledgehammer approach“. “Critics say that imposing the minimum age for children using social media is a sledgehammer approach.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of banning children from using social media in Australia?
  2. How might this ban impact children’s social development and their ability to communicate with peers?
  3. What alternative measures could be implemented to ensure children’s safety online without a complete ban on social media?
  4. Do you believe a ban on social media for children is an effective way to protect them from online dangers? Why or why not?
  5. How do you think parents should balance children’s freedom and safety when it comes to social media usage?

Valencia’s Beach Cleaning Robot PlatjaBot

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The advent of cleaning robots signifies a transformative shift in the cleaning industry, particularly within service-oriented frameworks. Emphasizes that autonomous cleaning robots facilitate value co-creation among stakeholders by introducing efficiency and innovation into traditional cleaning practices.

Cleaning robots are becoming increasingly popular in households around the world. Thes advanced devices are designed to make our lives easier by taking care of the tedious cleaning task.

Read the article and learn about the first cleaning robot in a Spanish city.

https://smartcitiesconnect.org/valencia-introduces-platjabot-revolutionary-beach-cleaning-robot/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sift through something” mean? “The device called PlatjaBot – is a caterpillar-type vehicle that can collect up to 10 centimeters of soil at a time and sift through it to remove any waste.” Give 2 synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What is a “pilot project” mean? “This PlatjaBot pilot project is part of Valencia’s Municipal Sandbox Ordinance, which was approved earlier this year.” Give 2 similar expressions and use this term in a sentence.
  3. What does the adjective “cumbersome” mean? “According to the City, the ordinance is a regulation that “allows technology to be tested in an experimental phase in a real environment, such as the entire city of Valencia, and do so without the cumbersome administrative procedures that usually accompany these authorizations.” Give 2 synonyms and use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is the PlatjaBot? What are the features of this robot? What issues can you think of associated with this piece of machine?
  2. What do you think about this invention as a whole?
  3. “We are the first Spanish city to have a law that allows technology to be tested in a real environment.” What do you think about that?
  4. Is your city a Green Capital? Why or why not?
  5. What other invention/s like PlatjaBot have you found interesting recently? Talk about it/them.