Part II.A · Inglés PAU Castilla-La Mancha Ordinaria 2026

READING

Are social media breaks becoming popular among young people?

1. In recent years, many young people have started to question the role that social media plays in their daily lives. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are still extremely popular, but a growing number of teenagers and young adults are choosing to take “digital detox” breaks to improve their mental health. According to several recent reports published in international newspapers, this trend is becoming more common around the world.

6. Social media was originally created to help people stay connected, share experiences, and communicate easily. However, experts say that constant online activity can sometimes create pressure, especially for young users. Many teenagers compare their lives with the carefully edited images they see online, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem.

10. A recent study mentioned in The Guardian showed that young people spend an average of more than three hours per day on social media platforms. Psychologists explain that this constant exposure to notifications, likes, and comments can affect concentration and sleep habits. For this reason, some schools and youth organizations are encouraging students to reduce their screen time.

14. One popular solution is the “social media break.” During these breaks, users delete apps from their phones or limit their daily usage for a certain period, such as one week or one month. Many young people report positive results after trying this experiment. They say they feel more relaxed, sleep better, and have more time for hobbies, sports, or face-to-face conversations with friends.

18. Despite these benefits, experts do not suggest completely abandoning technology. Instead, they recommend learning how to use it responsibly. Social networks can still be useful tools for creativity, education, and communication when used in moderation.

21. Some influencers have also joined this movement by sharing honest experiences about digital stress and encouraging followers to create healthier online habits. This has helped reduce the stigma around taking breaks from social media.

24. In the future, specialists believe that digital education will become an important part of school programs. Teaching young people how to balance online and offline life may help them develop healthier relationships with technology while still enjoying its advantages.

Adapted from the BBC News (2025).

PART II. LEXICON / PHONETICS (2 POINTS)

A. LEXICON. (1 POINT) (0.25 points for each correct answer) Find a synonym for each of the following words in the text:

1.

2.

3.

4.