35 Social Media Questions for Engaging ESL Discussions

Looking for interesting ESL questions to spark a class discussion about social media?

We’ve put together a list of thought-provoking questions for your students to practice speaking, writing, and sharing opinions on this hot topic that’s relevant to learners of all ages and levels.

With social media playing such a huge role in our daily lives, it’s crucial to get your students comfortable discussing this subject in English.

The Social Media Conversation Questions

1. What is social media? How would you define it?
2. What are some examples of social media platforms? Which are most popular in your country?
3. Why do you think social media has become such a big part of people’s lives?
4. How has social media changed the way people communicate and interact?
5. What are some positive aspects of social media? What are some negative aspects?
6. Do you think social media brings people closer together or drives them apart?
7. How do you think social media will evolve in the future? What new features or platforms might emerge?
8. Do you think people spend too much time on social media these days? Why or why not?
9. Should there be an age limit for using social media? At what age should people be allowed to start using it?
10. How has social media impacted traditional forms of media like newspapers and TV?
11. Do you believe social media plays a role in the spread of fake news and misinformation? What can be done about this issue?
12. Should schools teach students about social media literacy and how to use it responsibly?
13. Which social media apps do you use most often? Why do you like them?
14. How much time do you typically spend on social media each day? Do you think it’s too much, too little, or just right?
15. What kind of content do you usually post on social media? Photos, videos, status updates, stories?
16. Have you ever made a friend or met someone special through social media?
17. Do you follow any celebrities, influencers, or public figures on social media? Who are your favorites?
18. Has anything you’ve seen on social media ever inspired you to try something new or change your perspective?
19. How has social media affected people’s self-esteem and body image, especially among youth?
20. What role does social media play in activism and social movements? Can it be an effective tool for creating change?
21. What are some emerging trends or future possibilities for social media that excite or concern you?
22. How can social media be used as a tool for language learning and practice?
23. How can social media be used as a tool for self-expression and creativity?
24. How do different generations (e.g., millennials, boomers) use social media differently?
25. What are some unwritten rules or etiquette for behavior on social media?
26. How do businesses and brands use social media for marketing and advertising?
27. If you could create your own social media platform, what unique features would you include?
28. Have you ever posted something on social media that you later regretted? What did you learn from that experience?
29. Imagine a world without social media. How would your daily life and communication be different?
30. What are some creative ways you’ve seen people or businesses use social media to stand out or make a positive impact?
31. Do you think social media makes people more or less authentic in their self-presentation? Why?
32. If you could have dinner with any three social media influencers or personalities, who would you choose and why?
33. What are some specific skills or knowledge you’ve gained through your use of social media?
34. Describe a memorable or meaningful social media campaign or challenge you participated in or observed.
35. How do you decide what information or aspects of your life to share or keep private on social media?

Tips on Using Social Media Questions in the ESL Classroom

When incorporating social media questions into your ESL lessons, consider having students discuss the questions in various groupings, such as pairs, small groups, or as a whole class. This allows learners to practice their speaking skills and engage with different classmates.

Another effective approach is to ask students to write short responses to selected questions and then share their thoughts with a partner or the entire class, which helps develop both writing and speaking abilities.

You can also use these social media questions to introduce relevant vocabulary in context. Before diving into the discussion, preview key terms and phrases related to social media and ensure that students understand their meanings.

As students discuss the questions, encourage them to ask each other follow-up questions to extend the conversation and practice using the new vocabulary in a natural, interactive way.

By using a diverse range of social media questions and activities, you can create engaging and thought-provoking ESL lessons that help students strengthen their language skills while exploring a highly relevant and relatable topic.