Social Media, Fake News and Society – English Questions & Answers

English essay page on What I Share on Social Media and My Rules for Posting, with structured explanations, examples, and exam-focused language practice for VGS.

Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06

What I Share on Social Media and My Rules for Posting

On social media, I usually share things that I find fun, interesting, or important. This includes photos from trips, concerts, or time with friends, as well as funny memes, music I like, and sometimes short videos or stories. I mostly use platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok because that’s where most of my friends are. I sometimes comment or like other people’s posts, and I follow accounts related to music, sports, fashion, and news.

Even though social media is fun, I have some personal rules for what I think is OK to post. First, I never post anything that could hurt or embarrass someone else. I also avoid sharing things that are too private or personal, like family problems or things that I might regret later. I try not to post too much, and I think twice before sharing strong opinions or something that could cause drama. I ask for permission before I post pictures of others, especially if it's from a party or private event.

The reason I have these rules is that what you post online stays there—even if you delete it. Future schools, jobs, or even people you don’t know might see what you post. I think it’s important to be respectful and smart about what you share. Social media can be great for staying in touch and expressing yourself, but it’s also important to use it responsibly.

Why Can Your Social Media Profile Be Important When You Apply for a Job?

In today’s digital world, your social media profile can play an important role when you apply for a job. Employers often look at more than just your CV and cover letter—they may also check your online presence. What you post, share, and like on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter) can give them an idea of who you are as a person.

A positive social media profile can help you stand out in a good way. If your profile shows that you are creative, responsible, and respectful, it can give a potential employer a better impression of you. For example, if you’re applying for a job in design or media, having a public account where you share your work can show your skills and passion. A LinkedIn profile can show your education, experience, and interests in a professional way.

However, a negative or unprofessional social media profile can hurt your chances of getting the job. If employers find inappropriate photos, offensive comments, or signs of bullying or irresponsible behavior, they may choose not to hire you. Even jokes or posts that you thought were funny at the time can be seen as immature or disrespectful in a job setting.

That’s why it's important to be aware of your digital footprint—the traces you leave online. Employers want to hire someone who can represent their company well, both online and offline. If they see something on your profile that could harm the company’s image, they might see you as a risk.

In conclusion, your social media profile is a part of your public image. It’s not just your friends who might see what you post—future employers might too. A clean, positive, and professional online presence can help you in your job search, while a careless profile can hold you back. That’s why it’s smart to take control of what you share and how you present yourself online.

What Does It Mean to “Clean Up” Your Social Media?

To “clean up” your social media means to go through your accounts and remove anything that could create a negative impression—especially if you're applying for school, a job, or a scholarship. It’s about managing your digital footprint and making sure your online presence reflects the best version of yourself.

Cleaning up your social media usually starts with looking through your past posts, pictures, comments, and likes. Many people post things when they’re younger that they later regret—such as jokes, party photos, or rude comments. Even if it was meant to be funny at the time, it might not look professional or respectful to someone who doesn’t know you personally. By deleting or hiding those posts, you protect your image and avoid misunderstandings.

Another part of cleaning up is updating your profiles. This includes using a clear profile picture, writing a bio that reflects who you are, and making sure your information is accurate. If you’re applying for a job, you might also want to change your privacy settings so that strangers can’t see everything you post. But remember: even private accounts aren’t completely safe, so always think before you post.

It’s also a good idea to check which pages and people you follow. If you follow accounts that share harmful or controversial content, that could reflect badly on you. Cleaning up can mean unfollowing or unliking things that no longer represent your values or interests.

“Cleaning up” isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not—it’s about showing your best self to the outside world. It shows that you are mature, responsible, and aware of how others see you. In a world where employers, teachers, and others often check your online presence, it’s smart to take control of your profile.

In short, cleaning up your social media means making sure your accounts show you in a positive light. It’s an important step toward building a good reputation, both online and offline.

Can Spending a Lot of Time Online Connect You With Others or Make You Feel Lonely?

Spending time online can both connect you with others and make you feel lonely—it depends on how and why you use the internet.

On the positive side, the internet allows people to stay in touch, no matter where they live. You can talk to friends through messages, calls, or video chats. Social media lets you share moments and follow what others are doing. If you feel shy in person, it might be easier to express yourself online. Some people also find online communities where they feel like they belong—whether that’s through games, hobbies, or support groups.

However, spending too much time online can also make you feel lonely or disconnected. If you scroll through social media for hours without actually talking to anyone, it can feel empty. Seeing other people’s “perfect” lives online might make you feel left out or like your life isn’t good enough. Some people get so used to being online that they avoid face-to-face conversations or feel awkward in real-life situations.

So, the internet can help people stay connected, but it’s not a replacement for real human contact. It’s all about balance. If you use the internet to communicate and build friendships, it can be great. But if you only scroll or isolate yourself, it can increase loneliness.

Why Do More Boys Than Girls Enjoy Computer Games?

There are many reasons why more boys than girls enjoy computer games, and some of them are based on society, culture, and interests—not just personal choice.

Traditionally, video games have been marketed more toward boys. Many games focus on action, fighting, or sports, which are themes that are often seen as more “masculine.” Game developers have often created male characters for male players, and fewer games have been made with girls in mind. Because of this, some girls may feel like gaming isn’t for them or that they don’t “fit in.”

Another reason is that boys often start gaming earlier, sometimes as a way to bond with friends. Gaming becomes part of their social life. For girls, friendships often focus more on talking and social media rather than playing games. This difference in social habits can explain why gaming is more popular with boys.

That said, things are changing. More and more girls are starting to play games, especially mobile games or games with stories and creative content. The gaming world is becoming more diverse, and anyone can enjoy games—regardless of gender.

a. Are fake news stories completely false?

Not always. Some fake news stories are completely made up, but others are only partly false. They may mix real facts with lies, twist information, or leave out important details to make a story sound more dramatic or misleading. That’s why fake news can be tricky to spot—it often looks believable.

b. How can people make money on fake news?

People can make money from fake news by getting lots of clicks on their websites or videos. When many people visit a page, the owner can earn money through ads. Some fake news creators use shocking or emotional headlines to grab attention, which makes people curious and more likely to share the story. The more people click, the more money the creator can earn—even if the story is untrue.

a. Which American age group spreads fake news most often?

Studies have shown that older adults—especially people over 65—are more likely to share fake news online. This may be because they didn’t grow up with digital media and might find it harder to tell the difference between real and fake information. However, fake news affects people of all ages.

b. What can we do about fake news?

There are several things we can do: …

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