Question 1

Describe a program or app on your computer or phone.

Accepted Answer

The application that has become an absolute staple in my daily digital toolkit is Notion, an all-in-one productivity platform I use across my laptop, smartphone and tablet. I stumbled upon it three years ago when I was browsing online reviews of productivity apps to find a better way to consolidate my scattered university study notes, to-do lists and project plans. I now use it on a daily basis: I curate my class lecture notes with embedded media clips and reference links, map out timelines for my part-time marketing projects, and even keep a digital travel journal where I upload photos and jot down memories from my trips. What I adore most about Notion is its extreme customisability – I can adjust page layouts, create databases and set automated reminders entirely based on my personal needs. Though it took a short while to get the hang of all its features, it has massively boosted my work efficiency and eliminated the need to switch between 5 or 6 separate apps for different tasks. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to streamline their daily routines.

customisability /ˌkʌstəmaɪzəˈbɪləti/：可定制性

get the hang of /ɡet ðə hæŋ ɒv/：掌握…的要领

stumble upon /ˈstʌmbl əˈpɒn/：偶然发现

consolidate /kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/：整合，合并

streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/：简化（流程）以提升效率

staple /ˈsteɪpl/：必不可少的事物

curate /ˈkjʊəreɪt/：整理，精心编排

Question 2

What are the differences between old and young people when using apps?

Accepted Answer

From my observation, the most striking distinction lies in digital literacy. Elderly users generally stick to utility apps with straightforward interfaces, such as instant messaging or health tracking tools, as they are wary of unfamiliar features to avoid cyber fraud. By contrast, young digital natives actively explore a wide spectrum of apps ranging from productivity suites to niche social platforms, eager to experiment with new releases.

Question 3

Why do some people not like using apps?

Accepted Answer

From my perspective, the reluctance to use apps stems from multiple interconnected factors. For one, users with limited digital literacy, particularly older generations, often find the convoluted interfaces of many apps deeply counterintuitive. Additionally, intrusive in-app advertisements and pervasive data harvesting practices raise significant privacy concerns, while overly resource-heavy apps can slow down devices drastically, detracting from user experience.

Question 4

What apps are popular in your country? Why?

Accepted Answer

From where I stand, two dominant apps take the lead in China: WeChat and Douyin. WeChat functions as an all-in-one super app, seamlessly integrating instant messaging, mobile payment, e-commerce and utility services, which significantly streamlines people’s daily routines. As for Douyin, its algorithm-driven personalised short-form content caters to diverse user preferences, making it a go-to leisure option for people across all age groups.

Question 5

Should parents limit their children using computer programs and computer games?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, reasonable constraints are necessary, though a blanket ban is counterproductive. Excessive unregulated screen time can trigger gaming addiction, impair children’s cognitive development, and cut into time they could spend on in-person social interactions or outdoor exercise. That said, parents should also guide kids to use education-focused programs rather than only imposing harsh restrictions.

Question 6

Do you think young people rely more and more on these programs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, it’s undeniable that youngsters today are increasingly reliant on digital tools for nearly all aspects of their daily lives. From arranging meal deliveries and scheduling work tasks to staying connected with peers and accessing short-form entertainment, these apps streamline routine processes and eliminate the need for in-person interactions. This pervasive dependence only looks set to grow as app functionality becomes more integrated and intuitive in the coming years.

Describe A program or app on your computer or phone

Describe a program or app on your computer or phone.

Part 3 Discussion