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Social Media: Advantages and Disadvantages

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Introduction

This guide will teach you about the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

• Improve your IELTS Writing: You’ll learn how to write a strong essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.
• Learn new vocabulary: The guide will introduce you to new words and key grammar structures.
• Discuss social media confidently: By the end, you’ll be able to discuss social media’s impact on our lives with confidence.

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Grammar Point: Conditional Sentences

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📚 Vocabulary

1. Ubiquitous

• Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
• Synonyms: omnipresent, pervasive, universal, everywhere.
• Comparison: Ubiquitous is more formal and academic, often used to describe something that seems to exist in every place at the same time, e.g. “the ubiquitous use of smartphones.”

2. Superficial

• Definition: Existing or occurring on the surface; not deep or profound.
• Synonyms: shallow, cursory, perfunctory, trivial.
• Comparison: Superficial is a more formal word, often used to describe things that are not serious or important, e.g. “a superficial wound” or “a superficial understanding of a topic.”

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IELTS Reading

Social media is now a ubiquitous part of life, offering unparalleled connectivity and a powerful platform for social movements. If it weren’t for social media, many modern-day movements would lack the widespread and rapid mobilization we see today. However, this connectivity comes at a cost. The constant exposure to idealized lives can contribute to anxiety and a decline in mental health.

Furthermore, if you rely on social media, you will find that it often fosters superficial interactions, replacing deep, meaningful relationships with fleeting online connections. The ease of forming new relationships and the dissemination of information can lead to trust issues and misunderstandings. If users were more mindful of the content they consume, they could mitigate the mental health effects and the perilous nature of constant social comparison.

Answer the following questions based on the article above:

Based on the text provided, here are five IELTS-style reading questions.

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Questions 1-5

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a negative consequence of social media? A. Superficial interactions B. Decreased face-to-face skills C. Financial scams D. Anxiety and mental health decline

Question 2: True, False, or Not Given: Social media activism, though effective for mobilizing people, has been criticized for leading to low-effort engagement.

Question 3: What is the primary cause of social comparison and envy among social media users? A. The anonymous nature of online interactions B. The use of filters and editing software C. Exposure to curated and idealized versions of other people’s lives D. The sheer number of connections a person has

Question 4: Complete the sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text: The easy dissemination of information on social media can facilitate the spread of __________________.

Question 5: True, False, or Not Given: The text suggests that the addictive nature of social media is primarily due to its unpredictability.

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Answers

1. C. Financial scams

• The text mentions superficial interactions, decreased face-to-face skills, and a decline in mental health. Financial scams are not discussed.

2. True

• The text states, “Critics argue that social media activism can lead to ‘clicktivism’ or ‘slacktivism,’ where individuals engage in low-effort actions…” This directly supports the statement.

3. C. Exposure to curated and idealized versions of other people’s lives

• The text explicitly says, “The idealized and curated nature of social media feeds can have a significant negative impact on mental health. The constant exposure to carefully crafted ‘highlight reels’ of others’ lives can lead to social comparison, envy, and a feeling of inadequacy.”

4. False or misleading content

• The text says, “The rapid spread of information on social media can also facilitate the dissemination of false or misleading content…” The two-word phrase “false or misleading” directly precedes “content.”

5. True

• The text states, “The unpredictable reward system of likes, comments, and shares triggers the release of dopamine… creating a feedback loop similar to that of gambling.” This confirms that unpredictability is a key factor in its addictive nature.

here are the three new words, their meanings, and example sentences.

IELTS Band 7 vocabulary

1. Ubiquitous

• Meaning: Present, appearing, or found everywhere. It describes something that is so common that it seems to be everywhere you look.
• Example Sentence: In today’s world, smartphones are ubiquitous, making it rare to see someone without one.

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2. Dissemination

• Meaning: The act of spreading something, especially information, widely. It’s the process of distributing information to a large number of people.
• Example Sentence: The dissemination of fake news across social media platforms can have serious real-world consequences.

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3. Perilous

• Meaning: Full of danger or risk. It describes a situation or activity that is very hazardous.
• Example Sentence: Navigating a social media landscape filled with cyberbullying and constant comparison is a perilous journey for many young people.

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Speaking Mini Challenge

Question: In your opinion, what is the biggest advantage of social media being ubiquitous? How can we prevent our online interactions from becoming superficial?

• Band 6 Answer:
  “I think a big advantage of social media being ubiquitous is that we can talk to our friends and family easily. To stop our interactions from being superficial, we should try to meet people in real life too.”
• Band 7 Answer:
  “The most significant advantage of social media being so ubiquitous is the incredible ease of connection it provides. It allows us to stay in touch with people from all over the world, which was impossible before. To prevent our interactions from becoming superficial, we need to be mindful of the quality of our relationships and invest time in face-to-face interactions.”

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Writing Mini Challenge

Question: Discuss the ways in which the ubiquitous nature of social media has changed how we form and maintain relationships, and whether this has led to a more superficial society.

• Band 6 Answer:
  “Social media is ubiquitous and has made it easy to talk to people, but this can make our relationships superficial. We have many online friends, but we don’t know them well. We should try to use social media for a good purpose.”
• Band 7 Answer:
  “The ubiquitous presence of social media has undeniably revolutionized human interaction, making global connectivity a daily reality. However, a compelling argument can be made that this widespread access has led to a more superficial society. As individuals accumulate hundreds of online ‘friends,’ the depth and authenticity of relationships can be compromised. It is essential to recognize the difference between a broad network of online connections and the deep, meaningful bonds that are essential for human well-being.”

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Using Hedging

Hedging is the use of cautious language to express a degree of uncertainty or to avoid making an overgeneralized or definitive statement. This is a vital skill in academic and professional English.

• Instead of: “Social media makes everyone feel lonely.”
  Use: “Social media can sometimes contribute to feelings of loneliness.”
• Instead of: “People don’t have real friends anymore.”
  Use: “It is arguable that some people rely too heavily on online friendships.”

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