Lesson 9: Internet Addiction
He's afraid he's going to miss out on whatever's happening online.

I can discuss internet addiction.

INTRODUCE

Internet addiction is a growing problem in many countries. In Japan, studies show that internet addiction is increasing among teenagers because of the popularity of smartphones.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and fill in the blanks. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.

    1. To miss out on something means to lose an opportunity to do or have something.

    Where were you last night? You weren’t at the party.

    I was sick. I’m sorry that I missed out on all the fun!

    I’d never want to miss out on _____.

     

     

    2. To unplug means to stop using all electronic devices.

    No, I can’t survive a week in the mountains without the internet!

    You will. It’s time for you to unplug!

    I unplug when _____.

     

     

    3.                                                                .

     

    Why did they break up?

    They fought a lot because of Brad’s excessive drinking. Jen said he got drunk almost every night.

    Q: What do you think excessive means?

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to say that you’re okay with something.

    I heard Kim and Ernie are hanging out with each other again.

    That’s good! I know some people think it’s weird, but I see no issue with exes being friends again.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Ryuichi is talking with his Filipino friend, Gail, at their university in Osaka.

Ryuichi:

Hey.

Gail:

Hey, man. Where’s Nobu? Isn’t he joining us?

Ryuichi:

No. He’s playing that online game again. Now that exams are over, I don’t think he’s going to unplug for quite a while.

Gail:

Too bad. I thought we could all hang out together.

Ryuichi:

Well, it doesn’t really matter if he joins us or not. Even if he were here, he’d just be on his smartphone anyway. It’s as if he’s afraid he’s going to miss out on whatever’s happening online.

Gail:

I’m worried about him. Don’t you think his internet use is excessive?

Ryuichi:

Definitely. He’s my roommate, but I hardly ever get a chance to talk to him in person anymore. If he’s not busy playing online games or checking social media posts, he’s chatting with his online girlfriend.

Gail:

He has an online girlfriend?

Ryuichi:

Well, yeah, apparently. The funny thing is that they’ve been dating for a while now, but they’ve never met in person or even talked on the phone. He told me that they had plans to meet up several times, but something always happened.

Gail:

Weird. I see no issue with dating someone online, but his relationship just seems really off to me.

Ryuichi:

I know… Wait a minute! What if Nobu’s girlfriend is a catfish? For all we know, she could be a big, hairy man! (laughs)

Gail:

I honestly think you might be right! (laughs) Poor Nobu!

TRIVIA

A catfish is a person who creates a fake online identity to trick someone into believing that he/she is a different person. A catfish’s intention is usually to commit fraud, seek revenge, or steal someone’s identity. Catfish are very common on social media and online dating sites.

PRACTICE

Replace the underlined parts with expressions from the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

miss out on something
unplug
excessive

Have you ever thought of trying a digital detox? It’s when you stop using all electronic devices like your tablet or smartphone in order to de-stress. It’s a great way to help you reduce too much internet use. While on detox, you’ll be able to reconnect with nature, your family, and real-life friends. Hopefully, you won’t feel the need to check your devices to see if you’re losing the opportunity to see what your friends are posting online. After a successful digital detox, you should be able to reassess your digital life and aim for a healthy balance of real-life and online relationships.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend is a high school teacher. He/She is worried about one of his/her students. Talk to your friend about the student.

Today's Expressions

  • miss out on something
  • unplug
  • excessive

Speak Your Mind

  • I see no issue with…

Challenge 2

What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.

If Time
Allows
1

CATFISHING
2

INTERNET USE
1

CATFISHING

  1. How would you feel if you were a victim of a catfish?
  2. What can you do to avoid being catfished?
  3. What would you do if you found out that somebody else was using your identity online?

2INTERNET USE

  1. How can you tell whether or not someone's internet use is excessive?
  2. At what age should children be allowed to use the internet?
  3. Do you feel that people who don’t use the internet are missing out on something amazing?

FEEDBACK

I can discuss internet addiction.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK