Mr. Budi: Good afternoon, Alya. How’s the preparation for your digital literacy presentation going?

Alya: Hello, Mr. Budi! I’m almost done, but I’m still trying to understand why digital literacy is so important nowadays.

Mr. Budi: That’s a great question. What do you think it’s about?

Alya: I know it involves using technology, but is it just about knowing how to use devices, or is there something more to it?

Mr. Budi: Yes, Alya, it’s about much more. Digital literacy means being able to find, understand, and use information online wisely. There’s a lot of information out there—how do you know what’s true?

Alya: That’s a good point. There’s so much false information online.

Mr. Budi: Exactly! Digital literacy helps you find the truth, make smart choices, and stay safe from online dangers like scams.

Alya: So, it’s about using the internet carefully and safely?

Mr. Budi: Exactly. As our world becomes more digital, these skills are essential for your future—in school and your career.

Alya: Thanks, Mr. Budi. I feel much better about my presentation now!

Mr. Budi: You’re going to do great, Alya!

A question to answer: Why does the dialogue text fall into the hortatory exposition category?

To know the answer, please click here!

C. Reading

1. 1. Vocabulary to Learn

2. 1	Digital Age	A period in history characterized by the widespread use of digital technology and the internet in daily life.
   2	Social Media	Online platforms that allow users to create and share content or participate in social networking.
   3	Self-Expression	The process of expressing one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas, often through social media or other creative outlets.
   4	Mental Health	A person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how they think, feel, and act.
   5	Self-Esteem	One’s overall sense of personal value or self-worth.
   6	Anxiety	A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
   7	Depression	A mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, affecting how a person feels, thinks, and behaves.
   8	Curated	Carefully selected, organized, and presented, often used to describe content on social media that is selectively displayed.
   9	Validation	The act of recognizing or affirming someone's feelings or worth, often sought through social media approval, such as likes or comments.
   10	Interpersonal Skills	The ability to communicate and interact effectively with others, including verbal and non-verbal communication.
   11	Cyberbullying	The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
   12	Distraction	Something that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else, often leading to reduced productivity or focus.
   13	Academic Performance	A measure of how well a student is achieving their educational goals, often reflected in grades or test scores.
   14	Attention Span	The length of time for which a person can concentrate on a task without becoming distracted.
   15	Boundaries	Limits that a person sets on what they consider acceptable or appropriate behavior, especially regarding time spent on social media.
   16	Influencer	A person with the ability to influence the opinions or behaviors of others, typically through social media platforms.
   17	Face-to-Face Interaction	Direct communication between people in the same physical space, as opposed to virtual interactions.
   18	Self-Worth	The internal sense of being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others.
   19	Social Cues	The verbal or non-verbal signals that people use to communicate their feelings and intentions in social interactions.
   20	Time Management	The process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, or productivity.

The Hidden Costs of Social Media for Teenagers

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives. From connecting with friends to sharing their experiences, social media platforms offer countless opportunities for self-expression and communication. However, these platforms also come with significant risks that can impact teenagers’ mental health, social skills, and academic performance. It is crucial for young people, parents, and educators to recognize these dangers and take steps to mitigate them.

Firstly, social media can profoundly affect teenagers’ mental health. Constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Teenagers often compare themselves to the seemingly perfect lives of their peers and influencers, leading to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth. Studies have shown that more time on social media correlates with increased mental health issues. Therefore, it is essential for teenagers to understand that what they see online is often a curated version of reality, and their self-worth should not be based on social media validation.

Secondly, social media can negatively affect teenagers’ social skills. While these platforms are designed to connect people, they can also create a barrier to meaningful face-to-face interactions. Reliance on digital communication can lead to poor interpersonal skills, making it difficult for teenagers to develop healthy relationships in real life. They may struggle with reading social cues, expressing emotions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the anonymity provided by social media can encourage cyberbullying, which can have devastating effects. It is important for teenagers to balance their online interactions with in-person socialization to develop well-rounded social skills.

Lastly, social media can impact teenagers’ academic performance. Constant notifications and the urge to stay connected can be highly distracting, making it difficult for students to focus on their studies. Many teenagers spend hours scrolling through their feeds or watching videos, often at the expense of homework and sleep. This can lead to lower grades, decreased attention spans, and overall academic decline. To combat this, teenagers should learn to manage their time effectively, set boundaries for social media use, and prioritize their academic responsibilities.

In conclusion, while social media offers numerous benefits, it is a double-edged sword that can have serious consequences if not used responsibly. Teenagers must be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to protect their mental health, social skills, and academic performance. By doing so, they can enjoy the advantages of social media while minimizing its negative impacts. Parents and educators also play a crucial role in guiding teenagers to use social media in a healthy and balanced way.