Saturday, 12 April 2025

Tech Forum

Read these questions and think carefully about the pros (advantages/benefits) and cons (disadvantages/downsides) of such situations, giving your reasons for and against, with examples. What's your conclusion? Share your opinion on one topic in 100-120 words.

  • Should we download music or not?
  • Should every teen have a mobile phone?
  • Should teens play computer games?
  • Should teens have social media accounts? 
  • Should online time be limited?
  • Should AI be used in schools?
  • Should schools ban smartphones in classrooms?

Remember to use linking words:

  • To list arguments, use: To start with, Firstly, Secondly, In addition, Moreover, Finally, Also
  • To introduce examples, use: For example, For instance, As a result, so that, such as
  • To show contrast, use: On the other hand, but, However, Still
  • To conclude, use: In conclusion, To sum up, All in all

In 2025, we have lots of apps and websites. We can use them to study or do other things. But there are hackers. Hackers can do bad things.
Some parents do not allow mobile phones. They think phones are dangerous. Other parents allow phones. They think teens can earn money or be safe.
Some websites are safe. We don’t need to give personal information. ChatGPT is one example. We can use it to study or cook.
TikTok has good and bad sides. We can learn what people think about apps and websites. But not all things on TikTok are true.
The Internet has good and bad sides. We must use it smartly. Some apps help us. Some can be risky. Be safe and choose well.

Darija Širjančev, VII1

The Internet has a lot of good sides. It helps people find jobs, download music, and learn how websites work.
We can talk with friends and family using apps like Viber, Discourse, and Snapchat. We can also play video games online and have fun.
A lot of people use the Internet to be creative. Some make websites that go viral. Others try, but do not live up to their expectations.
But the Internet also has bad sides. There are viruses, hackers, and scammers. These can cause big problems.
We should be careful online. Some websites can steal your information. Use antivirus software and avoid unknown sites. The Internet is great—but only if we use it wisely.

Nemanja Popov, VII1

Limiting online time has good and bad sides. It is not always easy to decide.
If teens go online less, they can spend more time with friends and family. They can play outside and have fun. They will also have more time to study and get better grades.
Parents may be happy. They do not want their kids online all the time. They want teens to sleep and focus on school.
But there are also bad sides. Teens may miss new things online. They may not watch their favourite shows. Sometimes they need to call parents, but they can’t if the time is limited.
Online time should be limited, but not too much. Teens need balance between real life and online fun.

Nikolina Pilipović, VII2

I think every teenager should have their own phone. Phones can be good or bad. They help with learning and school.
Teens can use phones to chat with friends from other countries. They can also play games and call their parents or family.
But phones are not always safe. There is violence online, viruses, and hackers. Phones can cause arguments and sleep problems too.
Some teens stay up all night looking at their phones. That is not healthy. The Internet has many dangers.
Phones are helpful, but they must be used carefully. Parents can limit screen time or talk to their children when needed.

Teodora Tomić, VII2

AI is a new technology. It can help with jobs and give fast answers.
Some students misuse AI. They use it to cheat on tests. That is not good.
But in schools, AI can help. It can make learning easier and more fun.
Still, schools must stay serious. Some classes can be fun, but others must focus. Students must also use their own ideas.
AI can help us, but we must use it carefully and not let it ruin our creativity.
AI should be used in schools, but only carefully. It must help—not replace—student creativity.

Vukašin Ćirić, VII2

AI in schools is a very controversial idea. Some people believe it can be misused and make students lazier. They worry that students might stop thinking for themselves if they rely too much on AI.
On the other hand, AI could improve school efficiency. It can help with complex problems and support students in different subjects. AI can also be a strong brainstorming partner, using its large database to explore the pros and cons of ideas that benefit schools.
It now seems that AI might have more advantages than disadvantages. But a lot of people think otherwise. They have lots of worries and concerns about its impact on learning, behaviour, and ethics.
In my opinion, I support the use of AI—especially for gaining knowledge. Still, I understand why others worry. It’s true that today, AI can be used for fake art or unethical things.
I hope that one day AI will be available for mild, responsible use in every school. If used carefully, it could support learning while still encouraging students to think on their own.

Nikola Tomić, VII2