Tag: technology

AI Brad Pitt Dupes French Woman

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

One of the uses of technology that has emerged is for meeting someone new or potentially, finding love online.

Unfortunately, many fall victim to love scams that have become so prevalent all over the internet, leaving their victims to hang out dry.

A French woman was conned by people who purported as Brad Pitt and other individuals that were supposedly connected to the Hollywood actor. 

By the end of it, she was conned out of €830,000 which left her not only so heartbroken, but also broke.

Read the article about Anne who was duped by scammers using deepfakes and AI Brad Pitt.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgnz8rw1xgo

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is does “come forward” mean? ”She has since told a popular French YouTube show that she was not “crazy or a moron”: “I just got played, I admit it, and that’s why I came forward, because I am not the only one.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “come to light” mean? “Hundreds of social media users mocked Anne, who the programme said had lost her life’s savings and tried to take her own life three times since the scam came to light.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the idiom “set off alarm bells” mean? “Somebody purporting to be Pitt got in touch the next day, which set off alarm bells for Anne.” Use this expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction and opinion about what happened to Anne?
  2. What are your thoughts on this statement, “Life today is paved with cybertraps… and AI progress will only worsen this scenario.”
  3. What are ways to tell that something/a correspondence with somebody on the internet is a scam?
  4. Do you know a similar story about someone who got duped online? Tell that story.

Phones Are Designed to be Addicting

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It’s not just your willpower—phones are deliberately designed to be addictive. With features like infinite scrolling, push notifications, and personalized content, smartphones keep users engaged longer than they intend. Tech companies use psychological tricks to tap into our need for connection, rewards, and instant gratification, making it harder to put our devices down. As a result, many find themselves spending more time on their phones than they planned, raising concerns about the impact on mental health and well-being.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is “push notification“? “When push notifications were first introduced for email on Blackberries in 2003, they were actually seen as a way for you to check your phone less.” Use the term in a sentence.
  2. What does “puppet master” mean here, “If Facebook sends you a push notification that a friend is interested in an event near you, they’re essentially acting like a puppet master, leveraging your desire for social connections so that you use the app more.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  3. What does “grab bag” mean? “But today, you can get notifications from any app on your phone. So every time you check it, you get a grab bag of notifications that can make you feel a broad variety of emotions.” Use the phrase in a sentence.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe smartphone companies intentionally design their devices to be addictive? Why or why not?
  2. What are your thoughts on how tech companies profit off of users’ attention?
  3. How has smartphone use impacted your ability to focus or be present in daily life?
  4. Should tech companies be held responsible for the addictive nature of their devices, or is it up to users to control their own habits?
  5. What steps can individuals and society take to reduce smartphone addiction without completely giving up technology?
  6. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Addiction is money.“

Fast Food Goes High Tech with New A.I. Drive-Thrus

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Fast food chains are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. From voice-activated ordering systems to automated menu suggestions, AI-powered drive-thrus aim to speed up service, reduce errors, and enhance customer convenience. Wendy’s is investing in this technology, using machine learning and natural language processing to understand orders more accurately and personalize recommendations. While AI drive-thrus promise efficiency and innovation, they also raise some questions. As the fast food industry goes high-tech, AI is reshaping the way customers order their favorite meals.

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


Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “behind-the-scenes” mean”? “Wendy is now using AI to take your drive-thru orders. Let’s take a look at the behind-the-scenes of the new technology and put it to the test.” Make a sentence using this expression.
  2. What does the phrasal verb “step in” mean? “Ordering something not on the menu, that’s when human stepped in.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “driven by” in this sentence? “Using AI drive-thrus seems much faster, a new trend driven by technology.” Make a sentence using the phrase.


Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you think AI-powered drive-thrus will improve the customer experience, or will they make it less personal? Why?
  2. Should fast food companies prioritize speed and efficiency over human jobs when implementing AI technology? Share your insights.
  3. Would you feel comfortable ordering from an AI drive-thru, or do you prefer interacting with a human employee?
  4. What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI in fast food ordering systems?
  5. How can companies balance technological advancements with the need to maintain human jobs in the industry?




LinkedIn Accused of Using Private Messages to Train AI

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The world’s largest professional social networking platform, LinkedIn, faces a lawsuit filed by their premium users alleging the social network website to be sharing said premium subscribers’ private messages and personal data with other third-party companies in order to train artificial intelligence (AI).

Read more about how LinkedIn allegedly shares users’ private messages and personal data with third parties to train AI.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxevpzy3yko

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the “Stored Communications Act”. “It seeks $1,000 (£812) per user for alleged violations of the US federal Stored Communications Act as well as an unspecified amount for breach of contract and California’s unfair competition law.“ Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “false claim” mean? “A LinkedIn spokesperson told BBC News that “these are false claims with no merit”.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “to cover one’s tracks” mean? “LinkedIn’s actions indicate a pattern of attempting to cover its tracks,” the lawsuit said.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your thoughts on this news.
  2. What is your opinion on platforms/apps enabling user data sharing for AI purposes?
  3. Share your point of view on this, “Lawsuit accuses LinkedIn of trying to conceal its actions but the firm says the claims are false.”.
  4. Do you believe that this lawsuit will stand up in court? Explain your viewpoint.

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?