USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Questions

1. How has social media changed the way people communicate?

2. Do you think social media has more positive or negative effects on society?

3. Why do young people spend so much time on social media?

4. Can social media replace face-to-face communication?

5. How does social media influence people’s opinions and behavior?

6. Should governments regulate social media platforms more strictly?

7. Do you think social media helps or harms relationships?

8. In the future, how do you think social media will develop?

Q1: How has social media changed the way people communicate?
Band 7:
Social media has completely changed how people communicate. Before, people used to rely more on phone calls, letters, or meeting in person. Now, it is easier and faster to send a message or make a video call anywhere in the world. This has made communication more convenient, but sometimes less personal. People can talk instantly, but they may not express emotions as clearly as face-to-face. Also, social media communication is often shorter, like using emojis or short texts, which can reduce deeper conversations. Overall, it has made life faster but also less meaningful in some ways.

Band 8:
Social media has revolutionized human communication by making it instant, global, and highly accessible. People can now connect with friends, family, and colleagues across continents in seconds, which was unimaginable in the past. It has also introduced new ways of expressing emotions through images, emojis, and short videos, making interaction more creative. At the same time, the quality of communication has changed, as many conversations are brief, superficial, and less personal compared to face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, social media encourages constant availability, which sometimes leads to pressure and stress. It has also blurred the line between private and public communication, since many conversations are visible to large audiences. Despite these drawbacks, social media has made relationships easier to maintain and has created global communities that share common interests.

Q2: Do you think social media has more positive or negative effects on society?
Band 7:
I think social media has both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it helps people stay connected, share knowledge, and spread awareness about important issues. It also gives businesses a chance to promote their products and grow faster. On the negative side, it can be addictive and waste a lot of time. Many people also compare themselves with others online and feel unhappy. Fake news and cyberbullying are other serious problems. So, I think social media is helpful, but people must use it carefully.

Band 8:
In my opinion, social media brings both advantages and disadvantages, but the balance depends on how it is used. Positively, it promotes global connectivity, allows rapid information exchange, and provides platforms for education, business, and activism. For example, social media has been vital in raising awareness of global issues and creating opportunities for small businesses. However, its negative impact is also significant, including mental health problems, online harassment, misinformation, and addiction. Many people spend excessive time online, which reduces productivity and face-to-face interactions. Moreover, the constant exposure to curated lifestyles often creates unrealistic expectations and low self-esteem. Overall, while social media has potential to improve society, strict regulation and responsible usage are necessary to minimize its negative effects.

Q3: Why do young people spend so much time on social media?
Band 7:
Young people spend more time on social media because it is fun and easy to use. They enjoy chatting with friends, posting pictures, and watching videos. Social media also helps them feel connected and up to date with trends. Many young people use it for entertainment when they are bored. Some also use it to build confidence by getting likes and comments. However, spending too much time online can affect studies and health.

Band 8:
Young people are particularly drawn to social media because it combines entertainment, communication, and self-expression in one place. It gives them a sense of belonging, as they can connect with friends and communities that share their interests. Social media also acts as a platform for identity exploration, where likes, shares, and comments provide validation. In addition, young people use it as a primary source of news, trends, and entertainment, making it difficult to disconnect. Peer pressure also plays a role, as many feel they must stay active online to be socially accepted. While these reasons explain its popularity, excessive use can lead to negative effects such as distraction from studies, sleep problems, and reduced face-to-face interaction.

Q4: Can social media replace face-to-face communication?
Band 7:
I don’t think social media can completely replace face-to-face communication. Online chats and video calls are useful, but they don’t feel the same as meeting in person. In real life, people can see body language and emotions better. Friendships and family relationships often become stronger when people meet physically. Social media is convenient, but it should only support communication, not replace it.

Band 8:
Although social media offers many convenient tools for communication, I don’t believe it can ever fully replace face-to-face interaction. Physical presence allows people to pick up on subtle cues like tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language, which are often lost in digital conversations. Face-to-face meetings also create stronger emotional connections and trust, which are difficult to build online. While video calls reduce this gap, they still lack the warmth of personal interaction. Social media is excellent for maintaining contact, especially across distances, but it should be seen as a supplement rather than a substitute. Human beings naturally need direct social interaction, so physical meetings will always remain important.

Q5: How does social media influence people’s opinions and behavior?
Band 7:
Social media has a big influence on how people think and behave. Many people follow influencers, celebrities, or news pages, and this can shape their opinions. For example, young people may copy fashion or lifestyle trends they see online. Social media can also influence politics because information spreads very quickly. Sometimes this is good, but fake news can also mislead people. Overall, it has a strong power to change people’s choices.

Band 8:
The influence of social media on opinions and behavior is very powerful because it combines speed, accessibility, and emotional appeal. People are constantly exposed to information, advertisements, and opinions that shape how they think. For example, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends spread rapidly because influencers and celebrities promote them online. Social media also plays a major role in politics and social movements by mobilizing large groups of people within hours. However, this influence is not always positive, as false information and biased content can easily manipulate opinions. Algorithms also amplify certain viewpoints, creating echo chambers that limit exposure to different perspectives. In short, social media significantly shapes behavior, both consciously and unconsciously.

Q6: Should governments regulate social media platforms more strictly?
Band 7:
Yes, I think governments should regulate social media more strictly. There are many problems like cyberbullying, fake news, and harmful content. If there are stronger rules, people can feel safer online. At the same time, governments need to respect freedom of speech and not control everything. The aim should be to make social media safer, especially for children and young people.

Band 8:
Governments should indeed regulate social media more effectively, but the challenge is finding the right balance between safety and freedom of expression. Stronger regulations are necessary to combat problems such as online harassment, data privacy issues, misinformation, and exploitation of young users. For instance, stricter policies on harmful content and clearer rules on data collection would protect users. At the same time, governments must avoid excessive censorship, which could restrict free speech and democratic debate. Ideally, regulation should involve cooperation between governments, technology companies, and civil society to ensure fairness. Effective rules can make social media safer while still allowing creativity and free expression.

Q7: Do you think social media helps or harms relationships?
Band 7:
Social media can help relationships, but it can also harm them. On one hand, it keeps people connected, even if they live far away. Couples and families can share updates and talk daily. On the other hand, it can cause misunderstandings if people spend too much time online instead of face-to-face. Some people may also compare their relationships with others on social media and feel unhappy. So, it depends on how people use it.

Band 8:
Social media has a mixed effect on relationships, as it can both strengthen and weaken them. It helps people maintain long-distance friendships and relationships by allowing regular communication. Families can share updates, photos, and important moments instantly, which keeps them close. However, overuse can create problems, as people may prioritize online interactions over real-life conversations. Misunderstandings can also happen easily because messages lack tone and context. In addition, constant exposure to idealized images of other relationships can lead to jealousy or dissatisfaction. Ultimately, social media is a tool, and whether it helps or harms depends on how consciously and responsibly it is used.

Q8: In the future, how do you think social media will develop?
Band 7:
I think social media will become even more advanced in the future. People might use virtual reality to connect with others as if they are in the same room. Platforms will probably become smarter, showing more personal content. At the same time, there may be stronger rules to control fake news and online crime. Overall, social media will keep growing and changing the way people live.

Band 8:
In the future, social media is likely to become more immersive and personalized, integrating advanced technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. People may be able to interact in virtual spaces that feel almost real, making online communication even closer to face-to-face interaction. Algorithms will also continue to improve, providing highly tailored content based on individual preferences. At the same time, concerns about privacy, misinformation, and mental health will probably lead to stricter regulations and user protections. Social media may also shift toward smaller, private communities rather than huge public platforms, as people look for safer and more authentic connections. While the form will change, its role in daily life will only grow stronger.