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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships

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Topic: The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships

Question: To what extent does social media have a positive or negative effect on interpersonal relationships? Discuss and provide relevant examples to support your answer.

Model Answer:
In recent years, the role of social media in shaping our lives has become increasingly significant. This essay will discuss the extent to which social media can have both positive and negative effects on interpersonal relationships.

On the one hand, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate with one another, allowing us to maintain long-distance friendships and stay connected with family members despite geographical constraints. For instance, platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram enable users to share personal updates, photos, and messages instantly. This can help strengthen bonds between individuals, especially in cases where face-to-face interaction is not possible regularly.

Moreover, social media has facilitated the formation of new relationships through shared interests or common goals. Online communities, such as forums and interest groups on Facebook, provide a space for people to connect with others who share their passions or hobbies. This can lead to meaningful friendships that extend beyond the virtual world into real life.

However, social media also has several negative impacts on interpersonal relationships. One significant drawback is the potential for cyberbullying and harassment. The anonymity provided by social media platforms often encourages aggressive behavior from users who might not act in the same manner face-to-face. This can result in severe psychological distress for victims, causing rifts within friendships or relationships.

Additionally, excessive use of social media may contribute to feelings of jealousy and inadequacy among users. Comparing one's life with others' seemingly perfect portrayals on social media can lead to a negative self-perception and strain personal connections. In some cases, it might even foster competitiveness between friends, damaging trust and emotional intimacy.

In conclusion, while social media offers undeniable benefits in terms of maintaining relationships across distances and forming new connections based on shared interests, its negative impacts should not be underestimated. Cyberbullying, feelings of jealousy, and increased competitiveness can all take a toll on interpersonal relationships. To ensure a healthy balance between online and offline interactions, individuals need to exercise caution and moderation when using social media platforms.

IELTS Score:
- Task Response: 9
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9
- Lexical Resource: 8.5
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9
- Total: (46/50)

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