You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

The use of social media, e.g., Facebook and Twitter, is replacing face-to-face contact for many people in everyday life. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

You should write at least 250 words.

Sample:

In today’s digital age, the use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter has become increasingly prevalent, often replacing face-to-face interactions in everyday life. While there are some advantages to this development, I believe that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

One advantage of social media is its ability to facilitate communication and maintain connections. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp enable individuals to stay in touch with loved ones regardless of geographical barriers. For instance, students studying abroad can communicate with their families and friends through video calls, fostering a sense of closeness. Additionally, social media serves as a powerful tool for marketing and business purposes. Companies can effectively reach their target audience by sharing promotions and updates on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, saving both time and resources compared to traditional advertising methods.

However, I contend that the negative impacts of social media on communication outweigh these advantages. One major issue is the detrimental effect on interpersonal communication skills. Excessive use of social networking sites often leads to individuals being engrossed in their screens during family dinners or social gatherings, disregarding those around them. This diminishes the quality of face-to-face interactions and human connection. Furthermore, the frequent use of social media platforms can influence language usage, particularly among young people. Many teenagers incorporate abbreviations and informal language from social media into their academic writing and formal communication, compromising their language skills.

In conclusion, despite the benefits of social media in terms of maintaining connections and marketing, I believe that its negative consequences on communication outweigh these advantages. The overuse of social media hampers genuine interpersonal interactions and can have adverse effects on language proficiency. It is essential to strike a balance between digital communication and face-to-face contact to ensure the preservation of meaningful human connections.

(297 words)