PERSPECTIVE
Free ESL Conversation Resource · The Attention Economy

Attention Economy ESL Discussion Questions

15 conversation questions about free apps, screen time, notifications, advertising, tracking and the hidden price we pay with our attention.
A1–A2 BeginnerB1–B2 IntermediateC1–C2 Advanced

Use these attention economy ESL discussion questions for pair work, small-group speaking or whole-class conversation. Choose the level that fits your learners, or move through all three sections as the questions become more challenging.

A

Beginner · A1–A2

Start the conversation

  1. 01

    Which app do you use the most every day?

  2. 02

    Tell your partner about a time an app kept you busy for too long.

  3. 03

    Why do apps send so many notifications?

  4. 04

    Should apps tell you when you have used them for too long?

  5. 05

    Would you pay money for an app with no ads? Why, or why not?

Ready for the full lesson?Explore the A1–A2 Attention Economy lesson →
B

Intermediate · B1–B2

Explore the issue

  1. 01

    Which app takes more of your time than you would like?

  2. 02

    Have you ever turned off notifications or deleted an app? What happened?

  3. 03

    Why is it so much easier to keep scrolling than to stop?

  4. 04

    Would you pay a monthly fee for an app with no ads and no tracking?

  5. 05

    Are we the customers of these companies, or part of the product?

Take the topic further.Explore the B1–B2 Attention Economy lesson →

If your attention is the price, is a free app really free?

One topic. Three levels. Countless perspectives.
C

Advanced · C1–C2

Challenge the idea

  1. 01

    Which app takes more of your time than you would like?

  2. 02

    Have you ever deleted an app you felt hooked on? What happened?

  3. 03

    Why is it so much easier to keep scrolling than to stop?

  4. 04

    Would you pay a monthly fee for an app with no ads or tracking?

  5. 05

    Are we the customers of these companies, or the product?

Push the discussion further.Explore the C1–C2 Attention Economy lesson →
Perspective English · Complete lessons

Turn the discussion into a full lesson.

Continue with the complete Attention Economy lesson at the level your class needs. Perspective lessons combine reading, vocabulary, discussion and deeper speaking tasks around one conversation-worthy topic.

A1–A2

Discuss favorite apps, notifications, screen time and whether an ad-free app is worth paying for.

View beginner lesson →B1–B2

Explore scrolling, notifications, tracking and whether users are customers or part of the product.

View intermediate lesson →C1–C2

Challenge addictive design, the value of attention and the hidden trade behind supposedly free digital services.

View advanced lesson →