IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Tech & Media & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
The use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society.
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the topic: social media replacing face-to-face interaction. Acknowledge potential benefits but state the opinion that disadvantages are more significant.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Present the advantages (supporters' view). Points: Makes communication more democratic, accessible, easy (especially for long-distance). Promotes cultural sharing and global understanding (e.g., via Facebook/Twitter).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Present the disadvantages. Points: Leads to a decline in personal interaction skills (empathy, non-verbal). Anonymity can result in cyberbullying and online harassment (emotional effects, mental health, research example).
Conclusion
Summarize the main points: benefits (easy communication, cultural sharing) versus negative effects (personal interaction skills, cyberbullying). Restate the opinion that the disadvantages make it more harmful.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The rise of social media has greatly changed the way people communicate, with many choosing online interaction over in-person meetings. While there are some benefits to this change, I believe the disadvantages are more significant.
Supporters of social media say it has made communication more democratic, accessible, and easy. This is especially true for long-distance relationships, where physical distance is no longer a barrier, allowing for smooth interaction no matter where you are. Also, social media sites are a place for a variety of content, promoting global understanding and cultural sharing. For example, through Facebook and Twitter, users can learn about different cultures, traditions, and worldwide events, expanding their knowledge.
However, depending too much on social media for communication has its negatives, the biggest being the decline of personal interaction skills. As people focus more on their online interactions, they may forget to develop important social skills like empathy and non-verbal communication, which are best learned through in-person interactions. Moreover, the anonymity provided by social media can often result in cyberbullying and online harassment. The emotional effects of these experiences can be serious, leading to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Research from the Cyberbullying Research Center showed that victims of cyberbullying were nearly twice as likely to try to take their own lives compared to their peers.
In summary, while social media does provide the benefits of easy communication and cultural sharing, the negative effects on personal interaction skills and the risk of cyberbullying make it more harmful to society.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The advent of social media has significantly altered the dynamics of human interaction, with many individuals opting for virtual communication over traditional face-to-face encounters. While this shift bears certain merits, I posit that the detriments of this trend are more substantial.
The proponents of social media argue that it has democratized communication, making it more accessible and convenient. This convenience is particularly evident in long-distance relationships where geographical barriers are virtually eliminated, enabling seamless interaction regardless of location. Additionally, social media platforms serve as a hub for diverse content, fostering global awareness and cultural exchange. For instance, through platforms like Facebook and Twitter, users can gain insights into different cultures, traditions, and global events, thereby broadening their horizons.
However, the over-reliance on social media for communication has its drawbacks, the most prominent of which is the erosion of interpersonal skills. As individuals become more engrossed in their virtual interactions, they may neglect the development of essential social skills such as empathy and non-verbal communication, which are best cultivated through face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, the anonymity afforded by social media can often lead to cyberbullying and online harassment. The psychological impact of such experiences can be severe, leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. A study by the Cyberbullying Research Center revealed that victims of cyberbullying were almost twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.
In conclusion, while social media does offer the advantages of convenient communication and cultural exchange, the negative implications on interpersonal skills and the potential for cyberbullying make it a more detrimental force in society.