How many times have you checked your phone today? From the moment we wake up, digital technology is a constant presence in our lives. The average person spends over four hours a day on their phone. These repeated actions form our digital habits. In this lesson, you will analyze one person's attempt to break her habits and describe how your own habits have changed over time.
Vocabulary
Before we watch the video, let's look at some key vocabulary for talking about our digital lives. These verbs and nouns are essential for describing how we interact with technology.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| stream (v.) | to watch video or listen to audio content directly from the internet without downloading it. | I usually stream a movie on Friday nights instead of going to the cinema. |
| scroll (v.) | to move text or images up or down on a screen to see different parts of it. | He mindlessly scrolls through his social media feed every morning. |
| binge (v.) | to watch many episodes of a television series in a short period of time. | Last weekend, we binged the entire new season of our favorite show. |
| app (n.) | a piece of software that you can download to a device like a smartphone or computer. | What's your most-used app on your phone? |
| notification (n.) | a message or alert from an app on your phone or computer. | I turned off notifications for most of my apps to help me focus. |
| upload (v.) | to transfer data (like a photo or document) from your device to a larger computer system or the internet. | She needs to upload her essay to the university's online platform before the deadline. |
| platform (n.) | a type of software or technology that allows users to interact, such as social media or a video-sharing service. | YouTube is a popular platform for sharing and streaming video content. |
| device (n.) | a piece of electronic equipment, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. | I try to put all my devices away an hour before I go to bed. |
Watch & Listen
You are going to watch a video called "I swapped my smartphone for a flip phone for 7 days." The speaker, Jess, decides to change her digital habits for one week. Before you watch, discuss with a partner: What challenges do you think she will face?
I swapped my smartphone for a flip phone for 7 days
A vlogger documents her experience of giving up her smartphone.
While You Watch
Watch the video and listen for how Jess's habits changed. What did she do in the past with her smartphone? What does she do now with her flip phone?
Grammar Focus
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