digital era

Reading comprehension

1 In a recent study conducted by a psychologist at the University of Virginia, 13- and 14-year-olds were found to interact on Facebook and MySpace ...

a. in ways that were inconsistent with their character and personality.

b. in a dangerous manner, often befriending strangers.

c. in ways that always have a negative impact on family relationships.

d. in ways that were consistent with their offline relationships and patterns of behaviour.

2 According to Donna Schwartz Mills, the mother of a 14-year-old, the dangers for children these days are ...

a. everywhere on the internet.

b. the old dangers of who your children hang out with.

c. particularly present on social networking sites.

d. only present 'in real life', i.e. offline.

3 The Kaiser Family Foundation reported in January that American children aged eight to 18 are glued to computers, plugged into MP3 players, watching TV or playing video or similar games for ...

a. 4 hours a day.

b. 5 hours a day.

c. 6 1/2 hours a day.

d. 7 1/2 hours a day.

4 In a recent study published in the journal Developmental Psychology, the thing which largely seems to influence how safely a child will navigate the digital world is ...

a. the child's nature.

b. the technology.

c. the amount of time the child spends on the technology.

d. the child's friends.

Think about

1 What do you think the potential benefits of social networking sites for teenagers are?

2 What do you think are the possible problems with spending too much time on such sites?

3 Do you ever think you may spend too much time online or playing video games? If so, why?

Vocabulary

1 Many people think it can be hard to choose from the large _____ of hi-tech gadgets available these days.

2 Some people think spending too much time online may _____ a teenager's relationship with their family.

3 ________ children may often skip school and need counselling.

4 Some parents want to subject their children's online behaviour to a lot of _____ as they are afraid of what their children may be doing.

Answers:

Reading comprehension: 1. d, 2. b, 3. d, 4. a

Vocabulary: 1. array, 2. jeopardise, 3. delinquent, 4. scrutiny