Band 8 Sample | Social Networking Sites Have a Negative Effect On Society
The following is an essay submitted by one of our students.
Many people believe that social networking (sites such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree?
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
Band 8 IELTS essay sample
It is often argued that social networking sites like Facebook influences people as well as societies and local communities in a negative way. This essay disagrees with this statement because Facebook acts as a common platform for individuals from different backgrounds and helps in solving many socio-economical problems.
There are many reasons why social media plays an important role in an individual’s life. Firstly, they bring people from different parts of the world together. This helps in building new relationships and provides an opportunity to learn about diverse cultures. These sites have even helped many people to find their lost families. In addition, those who share common interests can participate in groups and forums. For example, Facebook has several community groups created by people with extra-ordinary skills in art, music, dance or cookery. Those who are interested in these activities can join these groups and learn new skills. In this fast moving world, social networking sites give relaxation to those who do not have time to meet or communicate with anyone outside their community circle.
Another important advantage of social networking sites is that they allow people to voice their views, opinions and also protest against any global issues. There have been instances where cases like violation of human rights, child trafficking, child abduction, and so on were reported to government authorities through such forums. Recently, photos of a missing kid were posted On Facebook by their family members. Due to the large influx of likes and shares, the picture became quite famous and authorities had to take quick measures to resolve the case. As a result, the culprit was captured and penalized under law. Hence, such forums help in awakening the duties and responsibilities of the authorities and compel ordinary citizens to obey the law.
In conclusion, technological advancements in the field of internet have always helped mankind. By proper usage of social networking sites such as Facebook people can unite and work together for a global cause.
Social websites such as Facebook and Twitter are increasingly becoming popular. In my opinion, these sites have caused the adverse impacts as well as simultaneous positive influences, depending on the way we use and control them.
On the one hand, social networking sites have caused great serious issues to individuals’ performance as much as their mental health. An enormous number of users have commited that it is quite easy for them to become addicted to such social websites, leading to huge distraction in their studying or working. Obviously, this problem eventually will affect either their job performance or academic grades. Although there are various researches to find out exact reasons and suggest some solutions to tackle this issue, some “victims” still have to admit their unstoppable addiction, even due to ridiculous or unclear attractions from social networks. Some of them even feel extremely lonely or depressed if they have to spend a day without a virtual world on Facebook or similar networks.
On the other hand, these social networks play a great importance in terms of personal connection and media campaigns with either national or international levels. Firstly, given the fact that the internet has become very affordable, various types of relationships are easier to stay in touch on a regular basis despite the users’ geographical locations, which makes them feel much bonded and in love with each other. Secondly, thanks to social medias’ wide degree of spread, any hot news update can be quickly shared to billions of users all over the world in no time. This trend is extremely helpful for users related to fully aware of the situations and preparing appropriate reactions. For instance, in Vietnam, during Covid-19 pandemic, every single positive or in-doubt case is quickly updated through different social media. From that, the authorities can fastly respond, proceed social distance where necessary and stop the disease spreading uncontrolled.
To conclude, although it is not always easy to stop social-media addiction since it depends on individuals’ effort and determination, I still believe the crucial role of social networking sites in terms of connecting people as well as spreading widely national and international news in no time.
This seems band 6.5 to me.