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Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many teenagers around the world. It allows them to connect with friends, share experiences, and express themselves in ways that were not possible before. However, the impact of social media on teenagers is a topic of debate, with both positive and negative aspects to consider.

On the positive side, social media can be a valuable tool for communication and learning. It helps teenagers stay in touch with their peers, even if they are far away. For many, it provides a sense of community, where they can share ideas, support each other, and discuss common interests. It also offers opportunities for self-expression, as teenagers can post pictures, videos, and thoughts that represent their personality and creativity. Additionally, social media platforms can be a source of valuable information, allowing teenagers to learn about topics they are passionate about or stay informed on current events.

However, there are also significant concerns about the negative effects of social media on teenagers. One of the main issues is the potential for addiction. Many teenagers spend excessive amounts of time on social media, which can lead to a lack of sleep, poor academic performance, and even social isolation. The pressure to maintain a certain image online can also have a negative impact on self-esteem, especially when teenagers compare themselves to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety, particularly if they receive negative feedback or are excluded from online groups.

Another problem is cyberbullying, which has become more prevalent in the age of social media. Teenagers may experience bullying or harassment through direct messages or public posts, which can have serious emotional and psychological effects. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen 24/7, making it difficult for victims to escape from the abuse. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.

Despite these challenges, social media can also be a source of positive change. Many teenagers use it to raise awareness about important social issues, such as climate change, equality, and mental health. Through online platforms, they can mobilize support, organize events, and connect with others who share their values. Social media also allows teenagers to learn about different cultures and perspectives, which can promote empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, social media has a powerful influence on teenagers, with both benefits and risks. While it offers many opportunities for connection, self-expression, and learning, it is important for teenagers to use social media in a healthy and balanced way. Parents, educators, and society as a whole should encourage responsible use, help teenagers set boundaries, and provide support when necessary.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To stay in touch with friends – Оставаться на связи с друзьями

To express oneself – Выражать себя

To share experiences – Делиться опытом

To provide a sense of community – Создавать ощущение сообщества

To be a source of information – Быть источником информации

To spend excessive time – Тратить слишком много времени

To maintain an image – Поддерживать образ

To experience cyberbullying – Столкнуться с кибербуллингом

To have a negative impact on self-esteem – Оказывать негативное влияние на самооценку

To compare oneself to others – Сравнивать себя с другими

To feel excluded – Чувствовать себя исключённым

To raise awareness about social issues – Повышать осведомленность о социальных проблемах

To organize events – Организовывать мероприятия

To connect with others who share your values – Связываться с людьми, разделяющими твои ценности

To promote empathy – Способствовать развитию эмпатии

Exercises

1. Matching:

Match the phrases with their meanings.

To stay in touch with friends

To compare oneself to others

To experience cyberbullying

To raise awareness about social issues

To have a negative impact on self-esteem

a) To suffer from harassment online

b) To feel bad about oneself after seeing others’ posts

c) To keep connected with people even when apart

d) To increase understanding about important topics

e) To evaluate oneself by other people’s standards

2. Fill-in-the-Blanks:

Complete the sentences with the correct word from the list below.

Words: pressure, self-esteem, social isolation, communication, negative

Spending too much time on social media can lead to __________, where a person feels disconnected from others.

Teenagers often feel __________ to present a perfect image online.

Cyberbullying can have a very __________ impact on a teenager’s mental health.

Social media allows easy __________ with people from different parts of the world.

Comparing oneself to others on social media can lower __________ and create feelings of inadequacy.

3. Translation Exercise:

Translate the following sentences into English.

Социальные сети могут быть полезным инструментом для общения и обучения.

Слишком большое количество времени, проведённого в социальных сетях, может привести к проблемам с самооценкой.

Кибербуллинг может серьёзно повлиять на эмоциональное состояние подростков.

Через социальные сети подростки могут участвовать в организации мероприятий и поддерживать важные социальные проблемы.

Ответственное использование социальных сетей важно для поддержания психического здоровья.

4. Speaking Practice:

Practice the following dialogue with a partner or in front of a mirror.

A: Do you think social media has a positive or negative effect on teenagers?

B: I believe it has both positive and negative effects. It can help people stay connected, but it can also cause stress or feelings of insecurity.

A: What are some ways teenagers can use social media in a more responsible way?

B: They should set time limits, be careful with what they post, and avoid comparing themselves to others too much. It’s also important to block or report harmful content.

A: Do you think social media is here to stay, or will it eventually fade away?

B: I think social media is here for the long term. It has become so integrated into our lives that it’s hard to imagine life without it.

Answers to Exercises

1. Matching:

1 – c (To stay in touch with friends = Оставаться на связи с друзьями)

2 – e (To compare oneself to others = Сравнивать себя с другими)

3 – a (To experience cyberbullying = Столкнуться с кибербуллингом)

4 – d (To raise awareness about social issues = Повышать осведомленность о социальных проблемах)

5 – b (To have a negative impact on self-esteem = Оказывать негативное влияние на самооценку)

2. Fill-in-the-Blanks:

social isolation

pressure

negative

communication

self-esteem

3. Translation Exercise:

Social media can be a useful tool for communication and learning.

Spending too much time on social media can lead to problems with self-esteem.

Cyberbullying can seriously affect teenagers’ emotional well-being.

Through social media, teenagers can participate in organizing events and support important social issues.

Responsible use of social media is important for maintaining mental health.