Social Networking Sites
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?
The increasing popularity of many social networking sites, such as Facebook, has been a topic of controversy in recent years. I disagree that these sites exert negative impacts on individuals and society, and will, instead, explain their superior merits.
There are compelling reasons why social networks are essential to individuals. First, by taking advantage of social platforms, many can exchange videos, send messages, and generally contact others free of charge. For example, students who study abroad can make instant, free Internet calls with their parents on various platforms, such as Facebook or Skype. Second, since most online newspapers are directly linked to social network applications, online users can get access to diverse sources of news while scrolling their news feeds. This is conducive to the learning of both domestic and global news, regardless of geographical location.
Social sites are also beneficial for society on the whole. The rise of social platforms can enhance social transparency by capturing the public’s attention. For example, some photos and videos on Facebook can become viral after just a few minutes, which acts as a deterrent to potential negative intentions. In addition, it is safe to say that social networks help reduce overhead costs and boost product sales in various industries. To illustrate, a typical online business today can operate entirely on a self-created Facebook page to dispense with the costs involved with brick-and-mortar stores, and also use on-site marketing tools to generate increased sales.
In conclusion, social networking sites benefit both individuals and society at large. Both governments and social network service providers should work in conjunction to optimize the advantages and alleviate any potential shortcomings.
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] The increasing popularity of many social networking sites, such as Facebook, has been a topic of controversy in recent years. [2] I disagree that these sites exert negative impacts on individuals and society, and will, instead, explain their superior merits.
1. Paraphrase the topic
2. State my opinion and signpost what I will discuss – the benefits of social media on individuals and society
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] There are compelling reasons why social networks are essential to individuals. [2] First, by taking advantage of social platforms, many can send messages, exchange videos, and generally contact others free of charge. [3] For example, students who study abroad can make instant, free Internet calls with their parents on various platforms, such as Facebook or Skype. [4] Second, since most online newspapers are directly linked to social network applications, online users can get access to diverse sources of news while scrolling their news feeds. [5] This is conducive to the learning of both domestic and global news, regardless of geographical location.
1. Topic sentence with the main idea – reasons why social networks are important to individuals
2. State the first benefit
3. Give an example to support
4. State the second merit
5. Develop it by providing further details
Paragraph 2
[1] Social sites are also beneficial for society on the whole. [2] The rise of social platforms can enhance social transparency by capturing the public’s attention. [3] For example, some photos and videos on Facebook can become viral after just a few minutes, which acts as a deterrent to potential negative intentions. [4] In addition, it is safe to say that social networks help reduce overhead costs and boost product sales in various industries. [5] To illustrate, a typical online business today can operate entirely on a self-created Facebook page to dispense with the costs involved with brick-and-mortar stores, and also use on-site marketing tools to generate increased sales.
1. Topic sentence with the main idea
2. State the first benefit
3. Give an example to support
4. State the second merit
5. Use a fact as an example
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, social networking sites benefit both individuals and society at large. [2] Both governments and social network service providers should work in conjunction to optimize the advantages and alleviate any potential shortcomings.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by giving a final thought
Vocabulary
The increasing popularity of many social networking sites, such as Facebook, has been a topic of controversy in recent years. I disagree that these sites exert negative impacts on individuals and society, and will, instead, explain their superior merits.
There are compelling reasons why social networks are essential to individuals. First, by taking advantage of social platforms, many can send messages, exchange videos, and generally contact others free of charge. For example, students who study abroad can make instant, free Internet calls with their parents on various platforms, such as Facebook or Skype. Second, since most online newspapers are directly linked to social network applications, online users can get access to diverse sources of news while scrolling their news feeds. This is conducive to the learning of both domestic and global news, regardless of geographical location.
Social sites are also beneficial for society on the whole. The rise of social platforms can enhance social transparency by capturing the public’s attention. For example, some photos and videos on Facebook can become viral after just a few minutes, which acts as a deterrent to potential negative intentions. In addition, it is safe to say that social networks help reduce overhead costs and boost product sales in various industries. To illustrate, a typical online business today can operate entirely on a self-created Facebook page to dispense with the costs involved with brick-and-mortar stores, and also use on-site marketing tools to generate increased sales.
In conclusion, social networking sites benefit both individuals and society at large. Both governments and social network service providers should work in conjunction to optimize the advantages and alleviate any potential shortcomings.
Vocabulary Highlight
- controversy (n): public discussion and argument about something that many people strongly disagree, think is bad, or are shocked by
- exert negative impacts: have bad influences
- compelling (adj): that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting
- take advantage of – to treat someone badly in order to get something good from them
- diverse (adj): very different from each other and of various kinds
- transparency (n): the quality of something, such as a situation or an argument, that makes it easy to understand
- deterrent (n): something that makes somebody less likely to do something (= that deters them)
- dispense with (v): to avoid/ to steer clear from
- brick-and-mortar stores: physical shops
- work in conjunction with somebody/something: work in tandem with/ work together with
- alleviate (v): to make something less severe
- potential shortcomings: perceived drawbacks
Reading
Further reading about this topic can be found here:
https://www.techprevue.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-social-media/
Listening
Further Listening about this topic can be found here:
