Practise Distinguishing Fact and Opinion from an Article

Read this article from a local paper on the subject of how social media is harming the art of conversation.

Social Media is Destroying Conversation

Have you ever been in a situation where you are trying to tell someone about your day, perhaps something terrible happened, and the person you are talking to starts looking at their phone halfway through your story?

A whopping 78% of people have said that in the last week, they stopped communicating with a friend, partner, or family member because of this. There is no getting away from it, screens are making us ruder. In my opinion, due to the use of “text talk” everyone’s vocabulary seems to be getting more limited too. We no longer spend time crafting language to carefully explain the nuances of our feelings towards certain things throughout the day, if a GIF will do it - just send that!

It’s not just me though, Dr Lance Realman a lecturer of Social Speech from Sheffield University, has informed us that our ability to deepen our connections with other individuals has been highly damaged through using memes and shorts.

Although many of us realise the damaging impact constant scrolling may have on our relationships, 36% of us admit to preferring scrolling to speaking to a loved one if feeling depressed or overwhelmed.

Cathy (26) is a Nail Technician and says, “I spend all day long speaking to customers. When I get to the evening and have a bit of time for myself, I sometimes don’t feel like having deep and meaningfuls with those around me – I’d prefer to entertain myself on different social media platforms.” I understand Cathy, but if you are on social media platforms, perhaps that’s what you’re actually craving, socialising? In which case, put the effort in with those around you. It will probably make you and them feel happier about their day!

Now let's answer some questions on this text.