IELTS HUBIELTS Agree Disagree Essay on Tech & Media & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
State that some people believe social networking sites have a huge negative impact; state author's complete agreement.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Point 1 supporting the negative impact: Creation of an environment of comparison and jealousy leading to feelings of inadequacy. Provide example/study linking social media use to anxiety/depression.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Point 2 supporting the negative impact: Social media as a breeding ground for false information and fake news due to algorithms prioritizing engagement. Provide example of unfounded conspiracy theories.
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Point 3 supporting the negative impact: Excessive use reduces in-person social interactions, leading to potential isolation. Provide example/study on heavy users feeling lonely.
Conclusion
Restate the strong belief in social media's significantly negative effect. Summarize the main points discussed (jealousy, false information, reduced real-world interaction).
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Some people believe that social media platforms can harm individuals and society, and I completely agree with this view.
My main point is based on the idea that these sites often create an environment of comparison and jealousy. Users are constantly exposed to the best moments of others' lives, which can lead to feelings of not being good enough or unhappy. For example, a study by the University of Pennsylvania showed a clear link between long-term social media use and increased anxiety and depression.
In addition, social media platforms can be a breeding ground for false information and fake news. These sites, with their algorithms that prioritize user engagement over truthfulness, can unintentionally promote unverified or misleading content. The recent spread of unfounded conspiracy theories, like the connection between 5G and COVID-19 that resulted in vandalism of 5G towers, is a clear example of this problem.
Finally, excessive use of these platforms can reduce in-person social interactions. As people become more absorbed in their online lives, they may ignore their real-world relationships and social skills. A study by the Pew Research Center showed that heavy social media users often feel lonely or isolated in their daily lives.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that social media platforms can have a significantly negative effect on both individuals and society. This is shown by the jealousy they create, the false information they can distribute, and the decrease in real-world social interactions they can lead to.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
There exists a school of thought that posits social networking sites as having a detrimental effect on individuals and society at large. I wholeheartedly concur with this perspective.
My primary argument stems from the fact that these platforms often foster a culture of comparison and envy. As users are constantly bombarded with curated highlights of others' lives, feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction can easily arise. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found a direct correlation between prolonged social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depression.
Secondly, social networking sites can be a hotbed for misinformation and fake news. These platforms, with their algorithms designed to prioritize engagement over accuracy, can inadvertently promote unverified or misleading content. The recent proliferation of baseless conspiracy theories, such as the 5G-COVID-19 link, which led to numerous acts of vandalism against 5G towers, serves as a stark example of this issue.
Lastly, the overuse of these sites can lead to a decline in face-to-face social interactions. As people become more engrossed in their online lives, they may neglect their real-world relationships and social skills. A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that heavy social media users were more likely to report feeling lonely or isolated in their daily lives.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that social networking sites can have a profoundly negative impact on both individuals and society. This is evidenced by the culture of envy they foster, the misinformation they can spread, and the decline in real-world social interactions they can cause.