Y07W02VC Theme Words — Social media & identity

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Social media & identity. The words in this set are used when discussing how digital platforms shape the way people present themselves, interact with others, and form their sense of self. Many of these terms appear in non-fiction, media commentary and academic writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with questions of identity, influence, and online communication.

Word in Context (Theme: Social media & identity)

These three words connect to the theme of Social media & identity. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with more precise, thoughtful language.

online

/ˌɒn.ˈlaɪn/

on‑line

adjective

Connected to, served by, or available through the internet or a computer network.

Word family: online (adv.), offline (adj./adv.)

Example: Your online behaviour creates a permanent digital footprint.

Synonyms: internet-based, web-based, digital

Collocations: online platform, online presence, online behaviour

reputation

/ˌrep.juˈteɪ.ʃən/

rep‑u‑ta‑tion

noun

The opinion or belief that people have about someone or something based on their past actions or character.

Word family: reputations (n. plural), reputable (adj.)

Example: Posting respectful comments helps build a positive reputation among your peers.

Synonyms: standing, image, name

Collocations: positive reputation, online reputation, protect reputation

authentic

/ɔːˈθen.tɪk/

au‑then‑tic

adjective

Real, genuine, and true to one's own nature or character; not false or pretended.

Word family: authenticity (n.), authentically (adv.)

Example: Showing your authentic self online, rather than a perfect version, often builds stronger connections.

Synonyms: genuine, real, sincere

Collocations: authentic self, authentic voice, authentic connection

Academic Vocab

factor

/ˈfæk.tə/

fac‑tor

noun

One of the elements, causes, or conditions that contributes to a result or situation.

Word family: factors (n. plural), factorial (adj.)

Example: A key factor in maintaining online reputation is thinking carefully about what you post.

Synonyms: element, cause, contributor

Collocations: key factor, contributing factor, major factor

process

/ˈprəʊ.ses/

pro‑cess

noun

A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result.

Word family: processes (n. plural), processed (v. past), processing (v. present)

Example: The process of building a positive online identity takes time and consistent behaviour.

Synonyms: method, procedure, sequence

Collocations: step-by-step process, ongoing process, gradual process

section

/ˈsek.ʃən/

sec‑tion

noun

A distinct part or division of something larger.

Word family: sections (n. plural), sectional (adj.)

Example: On social media platforms, each section of a profile can reveal different aspects of a person's identity.

Synonyms: part, segment, division

Collocations: main section, separate section, specific section

individual

/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.əl/

in‑di‑vid‑u‑al

adjective

Belonging to or relating to a single person rather than a group.

Word family: individuals (n. plural), individually (adv.)

Example: Each individual user has the power to shape their own online presence.

Synonyms: personal, single, separate

Collocations: individual choice, individual identity, individual user

establish

/ɪˈstæb.lɪʃ/

es‑tab‑lish

verb | [establish – established – established]

To set up, create, or cause something to exist and become recognised.

Word family: established (adj.), establishment (n.), establishing (v.)

Example: Many young people want to establish a positive reputation online before leaving school.

Synonyms: create, set up, develop

Collocations: establish a reputation, establish a connection, establish trust

this suggests

/ðɪs səˈdʒes.tɪd/

this sug‑gests

phrase (discourse marker)

A connecting phrase used to introduce or emphasise what a piece of evidence or information implies or points towards.

Example: Research shows that teenagers spend hours online daily. This suggests that social media has a significant influence on their lives.

Synonyms: this indicates, this means, this implies

Collocations: this suggests that, as this suggests, which suggests

Confusing Words

affect vs effect

Affect' and 'effect' are frequently confused because they sound very similar and both relate to the idea of change or influence.

  • affect — affect' is most commonly used as a verb, meaning to have an influence on something — for example, 'Spending long hours on social media can affect how a person sees themselves and others.'
  • effect — effect' is most commonly used as a noun, meaning the result or outcome produced by a cause — for example, 'One effect of constant online comparison is lower self-confidence.'

Memory rule: A quick way to keep them apart: if you can replace the word with 'influence', use affect (the verb); if you can replace it with 'result' or 'outcome', use effect (the noun).