The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.
1. How has the internet changed the way we communicate and interact with other people?
2. Can you describe your social media habits and how they have changed over the last few years?
3. What are some benefits of online communities (like Reddit or other forums)? How do they impact our sense of belonging and identity? Have you learned anything useful from forums?
4. How do you manage your digital footprint to protect your online privacy?
5. Do you ever post your personal thoughts or personal stories online? Have you ever had your own personal blog or website? How often do you read other people’s blogs, or their personal thoughts on social networking sites like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter)?
6. How often do you visit popular video sites like YouTube or Tik-Tok? What kind of videos do you like to watch? Have you ever uploaded a video you made to social media? How many views did you get?
7. Have you ever had a problem with viruses or other malicious software? If yes: What did you do to solve the problem? What is the best advice for someone with viruses or malware on their computer?
8. Share a story about a positive or negative experience you’ve had on social media: When did it happen? On what social media site or app did it happen? Who was involved?
9. How do you think social media and social networking apps have influenced relationships and social interactions?
10. What role do social media influencers and celebrities play in shaping online trends and behaviors? What influencers or celebrities do you follow on social media?
11. Can you share a story about a time when you felt overwhelmed or negatively impacted by something you saw or did online?
12. Can you discuss the impact of algorithms and personalized content on our online experiences? Does it bother you that social media recommends content based on your viewing history? How much does it bother you that search engines and social media collect a lot of data on you that they can sell to other companies?
13. What are some ways in which the internet has facilitated activism and social movements?
14. How do you think online dating and relationships differ from traditional offline dating? How risky do you think it is to meet someone in real life that you met online?
15. Can you share a story about a time when you formed a meaningful connection or friendship online? (On what site or social networking app did it happen? How many years ago did this happen? Do you still have contact with the person?)
16. Have you ever tried a digital detox, or unplugging from technology? Do you know someone to whom you would recommend this kind of approach?
17. How does the Internet advance education – for both adults and younger learners?
18. What are some ways in which the internet has transformed industries such as retail, entertainment, and healthcare?
19. How do you think the internet will continue to evolve in the future? In what ways will people be more connected to the Internet than they are now? What benefits and drawbacks will there be to this increased connectivity?
20. How do you evaluate the credibility and reliability of news and other information on the Internet? Do you trust the government and mainstream media, or do you put more trust in alternative news sources? What steps can you take to decrease the likelihood of being deceived?