Social Networking Sites Have A Huge Negative Impact On Both Individuals And Society

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write at least 250 words.

Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society

To what extent do you agree or disagree?


Sample Answer:

Social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook have become a staple part of modern life. Whilst there is no doubt that they have brought many benefits to individuals and society, there is a growing concern around the potentially negative impacts of such sites. In this essay, I will argue that the advantages of SNS far outweigh the potential risks, and that we should not be overly concerned about the effects of them.

To begin with, it is important to recognise that SNS provide many positive benefits to both individuals and society. On an individual level, such sites can enable people to stay in touch with friends and family, particularly those who are living far away. They also provide a platform for individuals to express themselves, share their thoughts and interests, and build relationships with people who they would not have otherwise connected with. On a societal level, SNS have enabled greater levels of collaboration and communication, making it easier for people to share information and ideas, and facilitating the spread of knowledge, which is beneficial to all.

At the same time, there are some potential risks associated with SNS. For example, people may become addicted to such sites, spending too much time online, or they may be exposed to bullying and other forms of online harassment. Furthermore, such sites may be used to spread false information or to manipulate public opinion.

Despite these risks, I believe that the positive aspects of SNS far outweigh the potential negatives. This is because the potential risks can be managed, for example through the use of parental controls, or through the implementation of tighter regulations, such as those recently introduced by the European Commission to combat online hate speech. Furthermore, SNS can be used as a platform for positive change, enabling people to connect and collaborate on projects that can have a real impact on society.

In conclusion, it is clear that SNS offer numerous benefits to individuals and society, and that the potential risks can be managed. Therefore, I would argue that we should not be overly concerned about the effects of such sites, and should instead focus on leveraging the advantages they provide.