IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1711461994
IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
Question: In what ways has the rise of social media affected interpersonal relationships? Discuss both positive and negative impacts.
Model Answer:
Over the past few years, the use of social media has skyrocketed, altering the way people communicate and interact with one another. This essay will examine how this technological advancement has impacted interpersonal relationships, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects.
On the positive side, social media has facilitated the formation of new connections and rekindling of old friendships. For instance, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have allowed long-lost friends to reconnect, while websites such as Meetup and Reddit have helped individuals with similar interests find one another. Additionally, social media has made it easier for people to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away or are geographically distant due to work commitments.
Moreover, social media can help create a sense of community among those who might feel isolated in their offline lives. For example, individuals struggling with mental health issues can find solace and support from others going through similar experiences on platforms like Twitter and Tumblr. Furthermore, social media can be an effective tool for raising awareness about important social and political issues, sparking conversations and promoting activism.
However, the negative impacts of social media on interpersonal relationships cannot be overlooked. One major concern is that it has led to a decrease in face-to-face communication, which is crucial for building and maintaining strong relationships. People often prefer to interact online, where they can carefully craft their image and avoid confrontation or uncomfortable situations. This superficial interaction can result in shallow relationships that lack depth and emotional connection.
Additionally, the constant need for validation through "likes" and comments can lead to a decline in self-esteem and increased anxiety. Individuals may feel pressured to present an idealized version of their lives on social media, which can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among their peers. This competition for attention and approval can strain relationships and contribute to feelings of envy and inadequacy.
In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly facilitated the formation of new connections and helped individuals stay in touch with loved ones, it has also led to a decrease in face-to-face communication and fostered an environment where people feel compelled to present an idealized version of their lives. It is essential for users to strike a balance between online and offline interactions to ensure that social media enhances rather than hinders interpersonal relationships.
Scoring:
Task Response: 5 - The candidate has fully addressed the topic, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the question, providing relevant and detailed examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: 4.5 - The response is generally coherent and well-organized, but there may be minor issues with cohesion or logical flow.
Lexical Resource: 4.5 - The candidate demonstrates a broad vocabulary range and uses a variety of sentence structures. However, there may be occasional inaccuracies or inconsistencies in grammar or tense usage.
Presentation of Ideas: 5 - The response is well-structured with appropriate paragraphing, logical progression of ideas, and clear signposting.
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