IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1711238496
Topic: The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
Question: In what ways has social media affected interpersonal relationships? Discuss both positive and negative impacts and include relevant examples to support your argument.
Model Answer:
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, transforming the way people communicate, work, and maintain relationships. While it has undoubtedly brought about numerous benefits, there are also significant drawbacks to consider. This essay will discuss both the positive and negative impacts of social media on interpersonal relationships by examining aspects such as communication, self-esteem, and privacy.
On the one hand, social media has facilitated instantaneous communication across vast distances. It enables people to stay connected with friends and family members, regardless of geographical barriers. For instance, a person living in Australia can easily share photos from their latest vacation with relatives in America through platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. This ability to maintain long-distance relationships can be particularly beneficial for families separated by migration or work commitments.
Moreover, social media has created opportunities for people to form new connections and friendships. Online platforms like Meetup and Reddit allow users to join groups based on shared interests, fostering a sense of community among members. Additionally, dating apps such as Tinder have revolutionized the way people meet potential romantic partners, offering an alternative to traditional methods like bars or set-ups by friends.
However, social media has also given rise to several negative impacts on interpersonal relationships. One prominent issue is that it can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction, causing people to become more reliant on digital communication. This shift may result in weaker personal bonds and less meaningful connections, as the depth of conversations tends to be shallower online compared to in-person discussions.
Furthermore, social media has been linked to feelings of envy, jealousy, and low self-esteem due to the curated nature of online profiles. Users often present only their best moments or most flattering photos, creating an unrealistic portrayal of other people's lives. This can lead individuals to compare themselves unfavorably with others, causing feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
Lastly, privacy concerns are another critical drawback of social media usage. With the ease of sharing personal information online, there is an increased risk of identity theft or cyberbullying. In some cases, individuals may even experience damage to their reputations if sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.
In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly brought about significant advancements in the realm of interpersonal relationships – such as facilitating long-distance connections and providing opportunities for new friendships – it has also introduced negative consequences, including decreased face-to-face interaction, self-esteem issues, and privacy concerns. To maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks, users should adopt a balanced approach to their social media usage, prioritizing genuine connections over superficial online interactions.
Score (according to IELTS scoring standards):
- Task Response:
9
- Coherence and Cohesion:
9
- Lexical Resource:
8.5
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
8.5
- Overall
Band Score:
8.5
The overall score for the sample essay is
8.5, which falls within the "Expert User" category according to IELTS scoring standards.
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