Practice English Listening B2 Exercises – Health and technology

A

1   (Michael) getting advice

2   (Lisa) making friends

3   (Daniel) expressing himself

B

1 a   2 b   3 b

Transcripts

Host:   Welcome to “Share Your Opinion,” the part of our show where members of the studio audience can speak their minds. Today’s topic is social networking. How about you, sir? Would you like to start us off?

Michael:   Sure!

Host:   Great! You can start by telling us your name . . .

Michael:   It’s Michael.

Host:   OK, Michael. What’s your opinion about social networking?

Michael:   Well, I’ve found social networking to be incredibly useful when it comes to getting advice. When I’m not sure of myself about, say, changing jobs or maybe moving to a different place, I get lots of great advice on social networking sites – from friends and even experts.

Host:   It’s useful, no doubt. But does social networking have a downside, in your opinion?

Michael:   Yeah, I wish people wouldn’t log in to social networking sites so much at work. I think too many people are doing that at my office, and they’re ignoring their work. Not enough work is getting done, if you ask me.

Host:   Yes, I see what you mean. I guess you’d say they’re taking company time. Thanks, Michael. And what’s your name, miss?

Lisa:   Lisa. It’s Lisa.

Host:   You’ll need to speak up a little, Lisa.

Lisa:   I’m sorry. Is this better?

Host:   Yes, that’s just fine. Now, what are your views on social networking?

Lisa:   I think that, for some people, it’s easier to make friends on social networking sites than it is in person. I mean, shy people or people who don’t have the best social skills, like me. I’ve never had more than a couple of friends at a time in my life – away from the Internet, that is.

Host:   I see. And how about on social networking sites?

Lisa:   Right now I have over 50 friends there! It’s an awesome way to make friends. But, of course, I mean that mainly for adults. It’s not really great for children.

Host:   What do you mean?

Lisa:   As I understand it, psychologists think young children who spend too much time on social networking websites and, umm, neglect their “real world” relationships can develop social problems. I mean, well, they might have problems interacting with people offline.

Host:   That is certainly something to keep in mind. We have time for one more person. How about you, young man? What’s your name?

Daniel:   It’s Daniel.

Host:   What’s your point of view on online social networking?

Daniel:   For me, it’s all about the creativity. Social networking sites give me a chance to express myself. I love to share links to podcasts and blogs. I’m also into photography, and I’m always sharing great shots with my friends. I make and share cool videos, too. I really like hearing people’s opinions about the things I create.

Host:   So, you’re very positive about it.

Daniel:   Yes, but at the same time, I’m careful with it. For example, I never post anything that’s rude or might give people a negative impression of me. You see, if I’m lucky, I’m going to be interviewed by a big advertising firm next month, and I don’t want to hurt my chances of getting the job. And companies are checking social networking sites more often these days. You know, when hiring decisions are being made.

Host:   That’s very true. Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your views with us.

A

b frequent users of technology products

B

Problem: texter’s thumb

Symptoms: base of thumb is painful, hurts to text, aches

Advice: use other fingers, send fewer and shorter text messages

Problem: carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms: pain in the hands and arms

Advice: stretching and strengthening exercises under the direction of a physical therapist

Problem: gadget addiction

Symptoms: using gadgets all day long, a deep sense of loneliness

Advice: see a therapist, learn to disconnect from the wired world

Transcripts

Host:   Sports and weather are coming up. But first, here’s Health Watch, with our medical specialist, Dr. Linda Byrne. Dr. Byrne, there’s no question that technological advances in recent decades have made our lives easier, but all this technology has its downside as well, doesn’t it?

Dr. Byrne:   That’s right, Peter – especially for those suffering with syndromes caused by the stress of our high-tech lifestyles.

Host:   And these syndromes, as you call them – they’re a relatively recent development, aren’t they?

Dr. Byrne:   Definitely. Such syndromes were nearly unheard of in the early 1990s, before the explosive growth of the Internet and the high-tech industry, and the widespread use of computers, cell phones, and other mobile devices. Since then, however, various technology-related stress syndromes have been identified. They’re really quite common now, and people of all ages are suffering from them. It’s really important to get the word out so that people can avoid these problems in the first place.

Host:   Could you give us some examples?

Dr. Byrne:   Well, one of these syndromes is texter’s thumb. We’re talking about an injury of the thumb caused by too much texting over a long period of time. The base of the thumb becomes painful. It hurts to use the thumb for texting, and it may also ache when you’re not doing anything with it. My advice is to use other fingers, not the thumb, to type in text messages. I also recommend sending fewer and shorter text messages.

Host:   That’s great advice. I’d never heard of texter’s thumb before.

Dr. Byrne:   Yes, that’s one of the most recent of these syndromes. Another is the well-known carpal tunnel syndrome – a very painful condition of the hands and arms caused by the overuse of keyboards and mice. My advice would be to follow a regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises – under the direction and care of a trained physical therapist, of course. That has brought good results in many cases.

Host:   So, the syndromes are usually physical?

Dr. Byrne:   There can also be psychological problems. Take, for instance, a third syndrome we informally call “gadget addiction.” It applies to people who use electronics all day long, nonstop. These people have a deep sense of loneliness whenever they put down their cell phones or log off the Internet. In such cases, I recommend seeing a professional therapist, ideally one who has experience treating gadget addiction. I also advise learning to disconnect from the wired world. Leave technology behind for a few hours. Take up a new hobby or go for a bike ride with friends – just be sure to leave all the gadgets alone.

Host:   Thanks, Dr. Byrne. And for more information, go to our website and click on our Health Watch link. And then turn off the computer!