The use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Type: Pros and Cons
Keyword: social media, replacing face-to-face contact, everyday life
Sample Answer 1:
These days, face-to-face communication is being replaced with online conversations using social media apps, such as Facebook, WhatsApp or Tumblr. It seems to me that the benefits these technologies have brought to our lives are overshadowed by their drawbacks.
In terms of the advantages, social networking sites have made it much easier for us to keep in contact with our loved ones, regardless of geographic location. Students studying abroad, for example, can keep in touch with their families and friends on a daily basis using the video call features of Skype, Facebook or various other apps. Social media is also a powerful tool in marketing and business. In this digital age, companies can keep their clients updated regarding newly-released products or promotions by posting their campaigns on Facebook or Instagram, which helps save a great deal of time and expense compared to the traditional methods of advertising in newspapers or magazines.
Despite the above benefits, I personally believe that when it comes to communication, social media does more harm than good. The overuse of social media reduces the quality of interpersonal communication. Many people are so addicted to social networking sites that they constantly stare at their screens during dinners with their families without actually paying attention to the people around them. The frequent use of social media also affects the style of speaking and writing, especially among young people. These days, many teenagers have a habit of using abbreviated words, which are frequently used in text messages or in posts on social media, in their academic essays or formal emails.
In conclusion, for the reasons mentioned above, I am of the opinion that the positive effects that social media has on our communication are outweighed by the disadvantages.
Word count: 253 – Band 7+
Sample Answer 2:
The increasing prevalence of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has led to a shift in the way people communicate, with face-to-face contact being replaced in many aspects of everyday life. In my opinion, this phenomenon, despite being somewhat disadvantageous, can bring about more significant benefits.
The reliance on social media for communication is indeed associated with certain disadvantages. One of these is that since people primarily communicate through screens and text, the richness and depth of face-to-face interactions diminish. Non-verbal cues and subtle expressions, which are crucial for effective communication, can be lost in online interactions. For example, humor or sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted without visual and auditory cues. This limitation in conveying emotions and intent through social media can result in misunderstandings and strained relationships, hence undermining the quality of interpersonal connections. Another problem worth mentioning is that given the addictive nature of social media, some individuals may become overly reliant on virtual interactions, leading to decreased real-world social engagement. As a result, these people may experience feelings of isolation, disconnection, and a lack of genuine human connection, which can negatively impact their mental well-being.
Nevertheless, the tendency towards utilizing social networks for communication is more advantageous overall. The first reason is that as social media platforms offer instant and convenient connectivity, they enable users to bridge geographical barriers and maintain relationships across distances. For instance, by using Facebook Messenger, individuals can stay connected with friends and family who live in different countries, fostering a sense of belonging and preserving relationships that might have otherwise faded. Furthermore, social networking sites allow for the dissemination of information and ideas on a global scale, facilitating social activism. This is because it empowers marginalized individuals to voice their opinions, raise awareness about important social issues, thereby driving positive changes in society. To illustrate, Facebook and Twitter have played a crucial role in raising awareness about social injustices and mobilizing movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.
In conclusion, while the growing reliance on social media for communication comes with certain drawbacks, such as a potential decrease in the depth of interpersonal connections and a risk of social isolation, I am convinced that the merits of this trend, namely instant connectivity across distances and the facilitation of social activism, are weightier.
Word count: 382 – Band 7.5+
