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Social Media and the Landscape of Desire
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Social media and the landscape of desire

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1. Warm-up discussion

Discuss these questions with a partner:

  1. How has social media changed the way people interact with each other and perceive their own lives?
  2. Do you often compare your life to what you see others doing on social media? If so, how does it make you feel?
  3. What do you think "desire" means in the context of social media? Is it different from desire in real life?

2. Listening: Social Media and Mimetic Desire

Watch the video and fill in the gaps with the exact words you hear.

Full video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcIgk94Fp6Y
QR Code for video

We all in this world where we can tweet at somebody or with somebody, could even be the President of the United States. And they might react to us back. Social media has us all onto the head of a pin, socially speaking, existentially speaking. Even if they're on the other side of the planet, even if they have a lot more money than we do, we can still interact with them. We can still with them on engagement. They're inside of our world. We have a in our pocket where all of these people exist.

So, what is ? Mimetic desire means that we're another person's desire as our own, usually without even that we're doing it. So, social media has given us millions of mimetic models that we now have to . Some people have went from having 10 mimetic models to now having a million, and we haven't quite as a culture with what that means for our .

3. Key vocabulary from the video

Drag the terms from the word bank to match them with their correct definitions.

Transcendence
Social sphere
Mimetic
Fulfillment
Rivals
Come to grips with
Emulate
Contend with
Mediator
Relating to imitation or copying.
To struggle to overcome a difficulty or problem.
To begin to understand and deal with something difficult or complex.
A person or thing that acts as an intermediary to help bring about a desired outcome or understanding.
A particular area of society, influence, or activity in which a person or group is involved.
People or groups competing with others for the same objective or for superiority.
Existence or experience beyond the normal or physical level; going beyond usual limits.
To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.
The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted; a sense of satisfaction.

4. Grammar focus: Noun Clauses

Noun clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They can be the subject, object of a verb, or object of a preposition. They often begin with words like that, what, when, where, why, how, who, whom, whose, which, whether, if.

Examples from the video:

  • "Mimetic desire means that we're adopting another person's desire as our own." (Object of the verb 'means')
  • "We haven't quite come to grips with what that means for our mental and emotional health." (Object of the preposition 'with')
  • "Understanding how the dynamic between us and our models changes is really important." (Subject of the sentence)

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence with a noun clause:

1. The speaker explains _______ mimetic desire operates in society.

it is
how
this is

2. It's difficult to predict _______ social media's long-term impact on mental health will be.

what
which
that

3. They discussed _______ external models of desire can lead to a vicious cycle.

the fact
that
this

4. We need to understand _______ to set boundaries with internal mediators of desire.

how
which
that

5. I wonder _______ choosing our models wisely will lead to true fulfillment.

this is
what
whether

6. _______ we desire comes from feeling like we lack something, according to the video.

That
If
What

5. Vocabulary in context

Use the vocabulary words from exercise 3 to complete the sentences below. Use the correct form.

mimetic
contend with
come to grips with
mediator
social sphere
rivals
transcendence
emulate
fulfillment
1. It's challenging for many people to fully the pervasive influence of social media on their self-esteem.
2. The startup founders found themselves constantly battling to stay ahead of their in the competitive tech market.
3. True personal often comes from pursuing one's passions, not just imitating others.
4. To overcome the significant challenges, they had to limited resources and tight deadlines.
5. The concept of desire suggests that our wants are often copied from those around us.
6. She looked up to her mentor and sought to her dedication and work ethic.
7. Some philosophers believe that art offers a path to spiritual .
8. As a skilled , he was able to resolve the conflict between the two departments.
9. Living in a different , celebrities often seem untouchable and beyond our everyday competition.

6. Grammar practice: Forming Noun Clauses

Rewrite the following sentences by forming a single sentence using a noun clause. Start with the given prompt where provided.

1. What does the future hold? Nobody knows.
Nobody knows

2. Social media creates a lot of pressure. That is clear.
It is clear

3. Can we choose our models wisely? It is an important question.
The important question is

4. How do people manage their digital identity? I'm interested in finding out.
I'm interested in finding out

5. Social media addiction is a serious problem. Many experts agree.
Many experts agree

7. Speaking practice: Reflecting on Desire

Discuss these questions with a partner. Use the vocabulary and noun clauses from this lesson.

  1. After watching the video, explain what you understand by "mimetic desire" and give an example from your own experience or observation.
  2. Discuss whether social media makes it harder or easier to identify our true desires, as opposed to desires we simply emulate.
  3. The video mentions "external" and "internal" mediators. Describe how you perceive these two types of models in your life and what impact they have on your aspirations.
  4. Reflect on the statement: "All desire is a form of transcendence." Discuss what this means to you and how it relates to seeking fulfillment beyond basic needs.
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