Social Media and Young People

Social Media and Young People


Social media has become a major factor in the lives of young people today. Research shows that teenagers spend an average of three hours per day on social media platforms. This period of time is increasing every year, and some young people now spend more than six hours daily checking their phones.

Scientists want to identify both the positive and negative effects of social media use. Some studies indicate that social media can help young people stay connected with friends and family. It can also create opportunities for learning and sharing ideas. For example, students can join online study groups or watch educational videos. Many young people use social media to express their creativity through photos, videos, and art.

However, other data suggests that too much screen time can affect sleep and mental health. When teenagers look at their phones late at night, they often don't get enough sleep. This can make it difficult to focus at school the next day. Some young people also feel stressed when they compare their lives to the perfect images they see online. They may assume that everyone else is happier or more successful than they are.

Experts believe that finding a balance is important. Parents and teachers have an important role to play in this. They need to help young people understand how to use social media in a healthy way. For instance, families can agree on times when everyone puts their phones away, such as during meals or before bedtime. Schools can teach students about online safety and how to think critically about what they see online.
The benefits are clear when social media is used wisely. Young people can learn new things, stay in touch with friends who live far away, and discover new interests. But problems can occur when it takes over daily life and stops people from doing other important activities like exercise, face-to-face conversations, or hobbies. The key is to enjoy social media without letting it control your time and emotions.
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Glossary

Academic Words from Sublist 1 (used in the text):
1. factor (noun) - something that influences or causes a result
o Example: Weather is an important factor when planning a trip.
2. research (noun) - careful study to discover new information
o Example: The research took three years to complete.
3. period (noun) - a length of time
o Example: We studied history for a short period.
4. identify (verb) - to recognize or find something
o Example: Can you identify the problem with this computer?
5. indicate (verb) - to show or point to something
o Example: The signs indicate the direction to the station.
6. create (verb) - to make something new
o Example: Artists create beautiful paintings.
7. data (noun) - information or facts
o Example: The data shows that sales are increasing.
8. assume (verb) - to think something is true without proof
o Example: I assume you're coming to the party tomorrow.
9. role (noun) - a job, position, or function
o Example: Teachers have an important role in education.
10. benefits (noun, plural) - advantages or good things
o Example: Exercise has many health benefits.

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Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the text:
1. How much time do teenagers spend on social media each day on average?
2. What do scientists want to identify?
3. According to the text, what are two positive effects of social media?
4. What problems can happen when people use social media too much?
5. Who has an important role in helping young people use social media wisely?

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Vocabulary Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Gaps
Complete these sentences using words from the glossary:
1. The teacher asked us to __________ the main problems in the story.
2. Temperature is an important __________ that affects plant growth.
3. The __________ from the study was collected over six months.
4. Working together can __________ better results for everyone.
5. What are the __________ of learning a second language?
6. Dark clouds __________ that rain is coming soon.
7. During the summer __________, many students go on vacation.
8. The police are doing __________ to solve the crime.
9. Parents play an important __________ in their children's education.
10. I __________ the meeting starts at 3 pm, but I should check.

Exercise 2: Match the Word to the Definition

Match each word (1-5) with its definition (a-e):
1. factor
2. period
3. indicate
4. create
5. role
a) to show or point to something
b) a length of time
c) to make something new
d) something that influences a result
e) a job, position, or function

Exercise 3: Word Families
Complete the table with different forms of these words:

Verb Noun (thing) Noun (person) Adjective
identify identification - identifiable
create __________ creator __________
research __________ __________ -
benefit __________ beneficiary __________
indicate __________ - __________

Exercise 4: Use in Context

Write your own sentences using these words. Try to write about your own life or interests:
1. research: _________________________________
2. benefits: _________________________________
3. create: _________________________________
4. role: _________________________________
5. factor: _________________________________
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Discussion Questions

Talk about these questions with a partner or write your answers:
1. Do you think social media has more benefits or more problems? Why?
2. What role does social media play in your life?
3. What factors make you spend more or less time on social media?
4. If you could create a new social media app, what would it do?
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Answer Key
Comprehension Questions:
1. Three hours per day
2. The positive and negative effects of social media use
3. Staying connected with friends and family; opportunities for learning and sharing ideas
4. It can affect sleep and mental health
5. Parents and teachers

Exercise 1:
1. identify 2. factor 3. data 4. create 5. benefits 6. indicate 7. period 8. research 9. role 10. assume

Exercise 2: 1-d, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c, 5-e

Exercise 3:
Verb Noun (thing) Noun (person) Adjective
create creation creator creative
research research researcher -
benefit benefit beneficiary beneficial
indicate indication - indicative