In this lesson, students begin by matching definitions to a wide array of digital platforms (e.g., microblogging sites, content management systems, photo-sharing apps) and discussing their personal usage. They then expand their lexical range by exploring words with the prefix "en-" (e.g., enrage, enlighten, entangle, envision). The core introduces the term "enshittification" — the three-stage lifecycle of platforms: starting with a great product to attract users, degrading the experience to benefit advertisers, and finally extracting all remaining value through subscriptions. Students then analyze how tech giants like Facebook and Instagram actually make money, watching a video about targeted advertising, data collection, and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Finally, students explore how "enshittification" extends beyond tech into airlines (hidden fees, shrinking legroom), video games (microtransactions), smartphones (planned obsolescence), urban housing, and journalism (clickbait), brainstorming other areas where systems are degrading.
PDF handout, video links, full downloadable package (RAR). Everything you need to run this lesson is ready to download — zero preparation required.
This lesson plan is designed for online ESL tutors working with adult learners at B1-B2 level. It uses a conversation-driven approach with authentic materials to keep adult students genuinely engaged throughout the session.
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