Fame, Influence, and Cancel Culture

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Analyze and discuss cultural trends related to fame and internet influence.
  • Use advanced vocabulary to describe concepts such as public image, accountability, and backlash.
  • Express nuanced opinions and support them with examples in a structured discussion.
  • Develop awareness of different perspectives on cancel culture.

Level: C1 Advanced
Duration: 90 minutes
Focus: Social media, public discourse, and cultural shifts

Reading: The Rise and Fall of Internet Celebrities

Warm-Up Discussion (10–15 mins)

Prompt Questions (Pairs or Small Groups):

    • Who are some people who became famous online?
    • Is internet fame different from traditional celebrity?
    • Why do you think some people rise quickly and fall just as fast online?
  • Optional Icebreaker: Show 2-3 images of viral internet figures and ask: “What do they have in common?”

Vocabulary: The Language of Public Image (15 mins)

Target Vocabulary:

  • Accountability
  • Backlash
  • Influence
  • Public persona
  • Viral
  • Deplatforming
  • Echo chamber
  • Social responsibility

Activity:

  • Match words to definitions
  • Use the vocabulary to complete 3 example sentences
  • Small group: Create a short story using at least 4 of the words

Reading Task (20 mins)

Title: “The Rise and Fall of Internet Celebrities”
A short article exploring the fleeting nature of online fame and how influencers’ missteps often lead to public backlash or “cancellation.”

While Reading Tasks:

  • Highlight examples of celebrities gaining or losing influence
  • Underline phrases that suggest cultural shifts
  • Identify tone and bias in the article

Post-Reading Comprehension Questions (10 mins):

  1. What trends contribute to the fast rise of online fame?
  2. What role does social media play in cancel culture?
  3. Do you think the author is for or against cancel culture? Why?
  4. What alternative ways of handling public controversy are mentioned?

Speaking Task: Debate / Group Discussion (25 mins)

Prompt: “Should cancel culture exist?”
Divide the class into groups or pairs. Assign each a stance (for, against, or neutral).
Steps:

  1. Prepare arguments (use target vocabulary)
  2. Use persuasive and nuanced language
  3. Present viewpoints and then engage in an open discussion

Useful Phrases for Discussion:

  • “While I understand the need for accountability, I think…”
  • “It’s important to separate the person from the public persona.”
  • “Some argue that cancel culture is a form of justice, but others see it as mob behavior.”

Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Exit Question:
What should happen when a public figure makes a mistake? Public apology, education, boycott, or forgiveness?

 

 

Match the Vocabulary with the Correct Definition

1. Accountability
2. Backlash
3. Influence
4. Public Persona


Vocabulary: Match and Use

Match the vocabulary words to their correct definitions:

Vocabulary

  1. Accountability | ___
  2. Backlash | ___
  3. Influence | ___
  4. Public persona | ___
  5. Viral | ___
  6. Deplatforming | ___
  7. Echo chamber | ___
  8. Social responsibility | ___

Definitions:

A. An image or identity that someone presents to the public, especially online
B. The ability to affect others’ behavior, opinions, or choices
C. Facing consequences for your actions or decisions
D. The idea that individuals or companies have a duty to act for the benefit of society
E. A strong negative reaction from the public
F. Removing someone’s access to a social media platform because of their views or actions
G. Information or opinions being repeated in a closed environment, reinforcing one perspective
H. Content that spreads rapidly across the internet

Vocabulary in Context

Complete the sentences with the correct vocabulary word (you may need to change the form):

  1. The influencer faced major __________ after making controversial comments.
  2. Companies must show more __________ when it comes to the information they collect.
  3. His video went __________ overnight and was shared by thousands of users.
  4. Celebrities often build a carefully managed __________ that may not reflect their true character.
  5. Some believe that __________ is a necessary step in preventing the spread of harmful views.

Reading Task: While Reading

Title: The Rise and Fall of Internet Celebrities
(Use the article your teacher provides or reads aloud.)

While reading:

  • Underline any examples of public figures being “canceled” or losing influence.
  • Highlight language related to cultural shifts or societal values.

Comprehension Questions

Answer in full sentences.

  1. What contributes to someone becoming a viral celebrity today?
  2. What are the risks or downsides of fame on social media?
  3. What is cancel culture, and how is it portrayed in the article?
  4. How does the article suggest we should handle public figures who make mistakes?
  5. Do you agree with the author’s position? Why or why not?

Speaking Preparation

Discussion Prompt: Should cancel culture exist?

In your group, prepare points for discussion. Use at least 3 target vocabulary words in your arguments.

You may consider:

  • Freedom of speech
  • Online responsibility
  • Public figures and role models
  • Difference between accountability and public shaming

Homework Idea:

Write a short opinion essay (200–250 words):
“Has cancel culture gone too far?”
Encourage students to use vocabulary from the lesson and present both sides of the issue.

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