Interesting Social Media Stories Interesting | Unit 18.2 | English

Complete the sentences with correct information

• The text is about the positive results brought by social media.
• Nathan Apodaca was gifted a truck of his favourite drink because he was drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice.
• Charlie’s birthday became more special than expected because of a post on Facebook.
• If there were no social media, people would have no idea about somersaulting the two school children.
• Matt Nason’s Twitter page ‘We Rate Dogs’ raises fund for the help of dogs.

Comprehension Questions (Comprehensive Answers)

The following answers have been developed to the required academic length for secondary level examinations.

a. What did Nathan Apodaca record in his video?

Nathan Apodaca recorded a candid and aesthetically pleasing video of himself longboarding to work after his vehicle broke down. In the footage, he is seen effortlessly skating down a highway while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice directly from the bottle. To complete the vibe of the video, he was lip-syncing to the classic song ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac. The combination of the smooth skating, the refreshing drink, and the nostalgic music created a sense of “good vibes” that resonated globally.

b. Was a truck of Ocean Spray a much-deserved reward for Nathan Apodaca? Why?

Yes, a truck of Ocean Spray was undoubtedly a much-deserved reward for Nathan Apodaca. His spontaneous video went viral, accumulating over 40 million views and inadvertently providing Ocean Spray with one of the most successful organic marketing campaigns in recent history. The video caused a massive spike in sales and even brought the 1977 song ‘Dreams’ back to the top of the music charts. By gifting him a truck full of his favorite cranberry juice, the company showed its appreciation for the millions of dollars worth of publicity he generated through his simple, authentic moment of joy.

c. How did social media help Charlie celebrate her birthday?

d. What was $700 spent on? How did Matt collect the money?

The $700 was spent on a custom-made wheelchair for a 12-year-old Golden Retriever that had lost its mobility and required physical assistance to move. Matt Nason, the creator behind the highly influential ‘We Rate Dogs’ Twitter account, used his massive platform for a philanthropic cause. He shared a link to a GoFundMe page dedicated to the dog’s medical needs and asked his followers to contribute. Because of the high engagement on his page, the required funds were accumulated in just a few hours, demonstrating the efficiency of social media in crowdfunding for animal welfare.

e. How was the hawk in New York rescued?

The rescue of the injured hawk in New York serves as a prime example of the real-time utility of social media. When Madeleine Weatherhead discovered the distressed bird, she used Twitter to post a photograph and an urgent call for help, tagging relevant authorities. The post was seen by the NYPD’s Special Operations team. Shortly after, Officers Maxwell Outsen and Joseph Bellomo were dispatched to the location. They successfully captured the hawk and transported it to a specialized animal sanctuary, where it was able to receive proper medical treatment and make a full recovery in a safe environment.

Supplementary Story: Emily and Lily (2022)

In 2022, a heartwarming story unfolded on Facebook when a young woman named Emily posted a desperate plea for help. She had lost her job and was struggling to make ends meet, unable to provide birthday presents for her daughter, Lily.

The post quickly gained attention and touched the hearts of many Facebook users. People from all around the world began offering assistance and support. Some sent monetary donations, while others sent gifts and birthday cards for Lily. The story spread like wildfire on Facebook, with people sharing the post and encouraging others to lend a helping hand.

Within days, Emily and Lily received an outpouring of love and generosity from strangers. Not only did they receive enough funds to ensure Lily had a memorable birthday, but they also received offers for job opportunities and support to help Emily get back on her feet.

Grammar II: Causative Verbs

Fill in the blanks with correct verb forms

1. I don’t let my children play video games.
2. The police made him pay for the damage he caused.
3. Rob is having his house painted next weekend.
4. Julia got her boy friend to buy her a ring.
5. Sam gets me to deliver the grocery every weekend.
6. Please, try not make her cry.
7. This quiz can make you understand causative verbs better.
8. Laura never has people tell her what to do.
9. My friend got me help (or to help) her with her CV.
10. I had a plumber fix the plumbing this morning.
11. I had my hair trimmed once a month.
12. After the party, I was made to wash all the dishes.

Reflective Writing: Holiday CampWhat were you made or let to do at a holiday camp?

During my holiday camp last year, I was made to participate in various team-building activities that helped strengthen our bond as campers. While the schedule was strict, the counselors let us have exciting outdoor adventures like hiking and canoeing, which allowed us to appreciate nature’s beauty firsthand. The organizers had us get involved in creative arts and crafts workshops where we could make unique souvenirs to take home. Furthermore, the social atmosphere got us to make new friends by engaging in group games. Overall, the camp made us step out of our comfort zones and had us feeling much more connected to both nature and our peers.

✍️ Writing II: Academic Essay

The Impacts of Social Media: A Global Perspective

In the modern era, social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter have become an inseparable part of human existence. While many believe these sites have negative impacts on individuals and society, others argue they have successfully connected the world. In my view, social media is a double-edged sword that requires balanced usage.

On the positive side, social media has revolutionized global connectivity. As seen in the stories of Nathan Apodaca or the rescue of the injured hawk, these platforms allow for the rapid sharing of information and the mobilization of resources for good causes. They foster empathy, provide a voice to the marginalized, and allow for a free exchange of cultural ideas. For many, social media is a tool for education, professional growth, and maintaining long-distance relationships.

However, the negative impacts cannot be ignored. The addictive nature of these platforms can lead to decreased physical activity and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation (fake news) and the rise of cyberbullying pose significant threats to social harmony. The constant pressure to present a “perfect” life online can also erode an individual’s self-esteem.

In conclusion, the impact of social media largely depends on the user’s intent and digital literacy. While it has the power to cause isolation and spread negativity, its potential to unite humanity and solve real-world problems is unparalleled. To maximize the benefits, society must focus on responsible usage and ethical platform management.