Social media influencers descend on the White House, where Biden calls them the new ‘source of news’

印刷用画面を開く

Posted

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. hold sway / hoʊld sweɪ / (idiom) – to have power or influence over something or someone
    Example:

    Celebrities often hold sway with their fans, especially in their choices in fashion and lifestyle.


  2. constituency / kənˈstɪtʃ u ən si / (n.) – a group of people who are likely to support a person or idea, especially in an election
    Example:

    The candidate focused on appealing to the younger constituency with promises of educational reform.


  3. court / kɔrt / (v.) – to try to gain the support or approval of someone, often by giving them a lot of attention
    Example:

    The company is courting new customers by offering free trials and special promotions.


  4. count on (someone/something) / kaʊnt ɒn / (phrasal v.) – to trust that something will happen or someone will do what is expected to be done
    Example:

    Donna is counting on her manager to give her a promotion.


  5. embroil / ɛmˈbrɔɪl / (v.) – to cause someone or something to become involved in a difficult or complicated situation
    Example:

    She was unwillingly embroiled in a family dispute that had been going on for years.


Article

Read the text below.

Social media influencers got the royal treatment at the White House on August 14 as President Joe Biden gave a nod to their ability to hold sway with millions of loyal followers.


The White House played host to a group of more than 100 influencers, also known as content creators, across a range of media platforms—from chefs and makeup artists to fitness gurus and medical students—to talk about issues including mental health, pay equity, and the abuse of artificial intelligence.


Biden stopped by to tell the influencers gathered in the Indian Treaty Room in the White House complex: “The fact is, you are the future.”


“You’re the source of the news,” he said. “You are the new possibilities. You are the new breakthrough in how we communicate.”


Those in attendance included makeup artist Jackie Aina, chef My Nguyen, and medical student Joel Bervell. Together, the influencers count millions of followers.


In showcasing the importance and heft of the content creator economy—valued at roughly $250 billion worldwide—the White House is also recognizing the youth vote that will be a crucial constituency for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump in the November election.


In late July, a coalition of 17 youth-led groups endorsed the vice president. The youth-led progressive organizations had warned for months that Biden, 81, had a problem with young voters, pleading with the president to work more closely with them to refocus on issues most important to younger generations or risk losing their votes. They’re hoping Harris can harness a new explosion of energy among young voters.


Trump has also spent time courting influencers. Notably, his campaign is counting on younger male voters to give him the edge in November.


The White House event comes as the Biden administration is embroiled in a legal battle with TikTok over a federal law that will determine the future of the platform in the U.S.


Many creators who earn income on TikTok have opposed the law, which requires TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the popular platform to a U.S.-approved buyer or face a ban.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • President Biden said that social media influencers are the new source of news, the new possibilities, and the breakthrough in how we communicate. Do you agree with how President Biden sees influencers? Why or why not? In what ways do you think social media influencers change the way we communicate news and other information? Discuss.
  • Do you believe it is a good idea to see social media influencers as the new source of news? Why or why not? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of counting on social media influencers to report important information, such as news and mental healthcare? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The content creator economy is now valued at roughly $250 billion worldwide. Do you think influencers have more power than traditional media? Why or why not? Why do you think the White House is paying attention to this industry? Discuss.
  • How do you think social media can affect voting behavior in elections? Is it a good idea for politicians to rely on influencers to connect with younger voters? Why or why not? Discuss.