What Could Replace Facebook

Facebook is only 14 years old, but it’s the dominant social network used by two-thirds of American adults. With news about it sharing private information or spreading fake news, some are calling on users to boycott Facebook and turn to other social networks. But which ones? Listen to this story to learn why Facebook is so dominant and how it would be very difficult for any new social network to overtake Facebook’s popularity.

Tweet Share on Facebook

Want to Listen?

TEACHERS: Access our entire library of lessons and current events!

With a free teacher account, you get:

Our lesson collections for Social Studies, ELA, and Science
Authentic audio news stories curated for the classroom
Teaching resources to check for understanding
And new Current Events every school day

Teachers Join Free

Already a Member? Login Now

Story Length: 4:38

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
What does Malala want to do in the future?
What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234

Related Current Events

August 13, 2018

4:04

Facebook Removes Fake Accounts

Facebook recently deleted pages and accounts it believed were run by Russians attempting to influence the upcoming midterm elections. Unfortunately, this also affected a valuable page American protesters were using to gain grassroots support. This issue raises important, unresolved questions about the relationship between Facebook, free speech, and propaganda. Listen to learn what an expert on civil liberties thinks about censorship on social media.

November 23, 2016

2:04

Facebook and Fake News

Since Donald Trump's election victory, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has come out twice to address the issue of fake news. A spokesperson said Facebook is not doing business with fake news apps. These are sites that promote false and inaccurate information which then goes viral. Facebook sells ad space inside its news feed and says these outside parties are not allowed to use the ad network. However, stories make money for Facebook when they are clicked, if they happen to get posted. Google, another tech giant, said it's working on a policy to keep its ads off fake news sites. Listen to hear more about this social media controversy.

June 25, 2014

4:20

How Dangerous are Threatening Statements on Facebook?

The Supreme Court is weighing in on threats posted on Facebook. So far courts have ruled threatening statements made on Facebook, including death threats, are true threats and punishable. Facebook says that they’re looking for conflict resolution strategies instead of always going straight to the authorities when they spot threats. Listen to this audio story to learn about threat made on social media.