🇪🇸ap spanish language review
4.2 Social Media and Global Challenges
Verified for the 2025 AP Spanish Language exam•Citation:MLA
There are many global issues that plague our world today, whether they are economic, demographic, political or environmental 🌎 But, the good news is, with the increase in the role of civil society, people have risen to the occasion. The advacements in technology have permitted people to do great mobilizations that raise awareness and demand action from other actors. In the next section, you will read about some of these global challenges through the perspective of the contemporary world. After all, the power is all in our hands... 🙌
Social Media and Global Challenges 🤳📱
Today, social media has invaded every aspect of our lives. It has influenced the ways we shop, research, look for entertainment, communicate, and so much more... It has made the world seem smaller by allowing people to be more connected. For all their advantages, there are serious consequences involved in the rise of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc., and our increased dependence on using them.
Let’s take a look at both the positive and negative components of social media, all of which can be applicable in the USA and Spanish speaking countries, as well as how social media has had a pivot role in recent current events in the US and Spain.
El Positivo 📈
- Effective and easy communication made possible through email and text messaging services, regardless of what type of phone you have.
- WhatsApp specifically revolutionized how we text messages on a global scale. It allows you to send messages, pictures, videos, and voice recordings using WiFi rather than relying on a cell phone carrier.
- WhatsApp is the dominant form of messaging worldwide and is abundantly popular in all Spanish speaking countries, from Mexico down to Argentina, and across the ocean in Spain
- Improves business interactions and allows small businesses a stage for both local and global audiences.
- Need information quickly? A recipe? A movie quote? You got it on numerous social media sites!
- Researchers, doctors, and scientists can easily convey their findings and share scientific developments, creating a broader interchange of ideas.
El Negativo 📉
- It’s easy to become addicted to screens and sacrifice time with friends & family.
- The rise of social media platforms in popular culture has led to dangerous comparisons in regards to body confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in teen suicide rates within the past decade.
- Not every person has the same amount of access to WiFi/social media, creating a divide between people and cultures.
- Easy availability of illegal or inappropriate materials.
- An abundance of information from both credible and non-credible sources makes the truth behind situations and studies confusing and socially divisive.
Political Implications 🪧
Social media has given everyday citizens the power to communicate instantaneously, record what’s going on in their city, and broadcast it on a global stage. As a result, we’ve seen in many countries how social media has launched uprisings, demonstrations, or at the very least, greatly altered public opinion.
USA 🇺🇸
- Black Lives Matter Movement
- Co-Founder Alicia Garzia shared the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter after the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2013.
- Since then, social media has become the dominant force of promoting the message that black lives matter and bringing public attention to consistent police brutality in the black community.
- This past summer of 2020, the recording of George Floyd’s murder by 17-year-old Darnella Frazier reignited the movement and forced Americans to witness with their own eyes the murder of an innocent black man.
- Her recording was the single most important piece of evidence in the Derek Chauvin trial that found him guilty on all 3 accounts, as well as causing an awakening to many Americans the importance of the #BLM movement.
- #MeToo
- The hashtag #MeToo created a viral sensation in 2017 after multiple sexual allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein went public.
- Celebrities began by spreading the hashtag #MeToo on Twitter and Instagram and opened the floodgates on the sexual abuse women have faced everywhere, including outside of Hollywood.
- Americans (and non-Americans too) began to share their stories and draw public attention to the previously tabu topic of sexual assault.
España 🇪🇸
- Catalan Independence Movement
- Since 2012, the region of Catalan in northern Spain has been asking for autonomy and complete independence from Spain.
- Social media has helped Catalan protesters organize demonstrations, and helped mobilize votes in a 2017 referendum vote to approve a resolution declaring independence from Spain.
- Although the declaration did not receive recognition from the international community, social media still paved the way for Catalonia residents to share their beliefs and continue to publicly protest Spain’s refusal of their independence.
Strive for Five Vocab 🔑
- Actualizar - update
- Agregar - to add
- Borrar - to delete
- Mensajería instantánea - instant messaging
- Difundir - to spread
- Chatear - to chat
- Mercadeo - marketing
- Foro - forum
- Influenciador(a) - influencer
- Descargar - to download
- Enlace - link
- Etiquetar - to tag
- Red social / redes sociales - social media
- Mandar un tweet - to send a tweet
- Piratería - pirating
- Seguidores - followers
- Suscriptores - subscribers -----
¡Vamos Practicar! - Task Model
Lee el seguinte artículo: Muy interesante.es, Sarah Romero, "Los 5 trabajos que resistirán la era de los robos"
Intenta responder las seguintes preguntas:
- Which aspect impedes the automatization of a job according to the text? /¿Cuál es el aspecto que impide la automatización de un trabajo de acuerdo con el texto?
Possible answer: El aspecto que el autor dice en el texto que impide la toma de un trabajo por un robot es la subjetividad que es parte de la condición humana. En otras palabras, hay una combinación de emociones, intuición, razonamiento que no se puede repetir.
- Which are some of the jobs that the author believes cannot be automated?/¿Cuáles son algunos de los trabajos que la autora cree que no pueden ser automatizados?
Possible answer: Algunos trabajos que necesitan la subjetividad humana son mencionados en el texto. Por ejemplo, el trabajo de maestro no es algo facilmente sustuido, especialmente maestrso de niños. La humanidad no va a querer que los niños crezcan como robos, pero como humanos. Además, el texto menciona la política y como es imposible practicarla sin emociones. La humanidad va a querer que humanos tomen decisiones para la sociedad humana. La autora también enfatiza que el trabajo de de atleta profesional no sería facilmente sustuido también pues los robots no van a competir a ver quién es mejor o más veloz.
Vocab from the reading / Vocabulario del texto 🔎
Comportamiento - Behavior
Ordenadores - Computers
Subjetividad - Subjectivity
Intocable - Untouchable
Reinante - Reigning/Dominant
Acceder - Access
Key Terms to Review (21)
Actualizar: Actualizar means to update or refresh information, making it current or relevant. This term is essential in various contexts where new information or advancements are introduced, particularly concerning technology, communication, and global challenges that demand timely responses and adaptations.
Agregar: Agregar means 'to add' or 'to combine' and is often used in various contexts to refer to the process of including or incorporating elements to create a whole. In the context of global challenges, this term is essential as it relates to how different components, such as resources, policies, or ideas, can be brought together to tackle pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and health crises. Understanding how to effectively aggregate resources and knowledge can lead to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across nations.
Black Lives Matter: Black Lives Matter is a decentralized political and social movement advocating for the rights and lives of Black individuals, primarily in response to systemic racism and police violence. The movement seeks to raise awareness about injustices faced by Black people and promote changes in policies that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. It emphasizes the importance of valuing Black lives and addresses broader issues related to social justice, human rights, and equity.
Borrar: Borrar means to erase or delete something, often associated with the removal of information, data, or memories. In the context of global challenges, it can relate to issues such as environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, or the erasure of cultural identities, emphasizing the importance of preservation and the need for action against destructive practices.
Catalan Independence Movement: The Catalan Independence Movement is a political campaign advocating for the independence of Catalonia from Spain. This movement has gained momentum over the years, fueled by historical grievances, cultural identity, and economic factors, and it represents a significant challenge to national unity in Spain.
Chatear: Chatear is a Spanish verb that means 'to chat' or 'to converse' informally, typically through text or online messaging platforms. This term reflects the way people communicate in the digital age, highlighting how technology has transformed interpersonal interactions and social connections.
Descargar: Descargar is a Spanish verb that means 'to download' or 'to unload'. It refers to the act of transferring data from a remote system to a local device, often in the context of technology and the internet. This action is critical in today's digital age, as it allows individuals to access information, applications, and resources, and plays a significant role in addressing global challenges such as information accessibility and digital literacy.
Difundir: Difundir means to spread or disseminate information, ideas, or knowledge widely. This term is often associated with communication and the distribution of resources, which is critical in addressing global challenges such as public health crises, environmental issues, and social justice movements.
Enlace: Enlace refers to the connection or link between two or more elements, often highlighting the relationship or interaction that occurs between them. In the context of global challenges, enlace emphasizes the interconnectedness of issues such as climate change, migration, and economic inequality, where the actions in one area can significantly impact others, illustrating the importance of a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Etiquetar: Etiquetar means to label or tag something, typically to categorize or identify it. In the context of global challenges, etiquetar plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as environmental concerns, public health, and social justice by providing a clear understanding of problems and solutions through organized information.
Foro: A foro is a public forum or space where discussions, debates, and exchanges of ideas take place, often focusing on important social, political, or economic issues. This concept is crucial for fostering dialogue and community engagement, allowing individuals to share their perspectives and solutions regarding global challenges that affect society.
Influenciador(a): An influenciador(a) is an individual who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions and behaviors of others through their social media presence and online content. They leverage their credibility and expertise in a particular niche to engage with their audience, often promoting products, services, or ideas, and shaping trends within society. The rise of social media has amplified their impact, making them key players in marketing and communication strategies.
Mandar un tweet: Mandar un tweet refers to the act of posting a message or update on the social media platform Twitter. This process allows users to share thoughts, news, or opinions in real-time, fostering communication and engagement within a global network. The impact of tweeting extends beyond personal expression, as it plays a significant role in raising awareness about global challenges and mobilizing social movements.
Mensajería instantánea: Mensajería instantánea refers to the real-time exchange of text messages, images, audio, and video through digital platforms. This form of communication has transformed how people connect and share information, promoting immediate interaction across the globe. Its rapid growth has influenced social dynamics, business communication, and access to information, leading to both positive and negative implications in various contexts.
Mercadeo: Mercadeo es el proceso de promover, vender y distribuir un producto o servicio. Este concepto no solo involucra la publicidad, sino también la investigación de mercado y la comprensión de las necesidades del consumidor, lo que es esencial para el éxito de las empresas en un entorno global. El mercadeo juega un papel crucial en cómo las empresas enfrentan desafíos globales al adaptarse a diferentes culturas, economías y tecnologías.
#MeToo: #MeToo is a social movement that began in 2006 and gained significant traction in 2017, aimed at raising awareness about sexual harassment and assault, particularly in the workplace. This movement has encouraged individuals to share their experiences and speak out against the systemic issues surrounding gender-based violence and inequality, highlighting the importance of addressing these global challenges that affect communities worldwide.
Piratería: Piratería refers to the act of illegally attacking and stealing from ships or other vessels at sea. This criminal activity has existed for centuries and is often associated with organized crime and lawlessness on the high seas, leading to significant global challenges such as maritime security issues and impacts on international trade.
Redes sociales: Redes sociales are online platforms that enable users to create profiles, share content, and connect with others. These platforms play a significant role in communication, information sharing, and social interaction, impacting various aspects of daily life and global challenges.
Seguidores: Seguidores refers to individuals or groups who actively support or endorse a particular leader, movement, or ideology. In various contexts, these followers play a significant role in shaping social dynamics and can influence political and cultural trends through their loyalty and advocacy.
Suscriptores: Suscriptores refers to individuals or entities that subscribe to a service, publication, or content platform, often for exclusive access to information, updates, or benefits. In the context of global challenges, this term highlights the role of media consumption and information dissemination in raising awareness and fostering engagement around pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and socio-economic inequalities.
WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a popular messaging application that enables users to send texts, voice messages, images, and videos over the internet. Its widespread use has transformed communication across the globe, fostering connections that are vital in addressing various global challenges, such as public health and social movements.