IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media — Positive or Negative? (Band 9 Sample)

Over little more than a decade, social media has moved from a novelty to something many people reach for the moment they wake. While it undeniably has its uses, I would argue that, on balance, this has been a negative development, chiefly because of its effect on our well-being and our grasp of the truth.

1. The genuine upside

It would be unfair to dismiss the benefits outright. These platforms let us keep in touch with friends and relatives across the world, give small businesses a cheap way to reach customers, and allow ordinary people to raise awareness of causes that traditional media might ignore. For anyone who is isolated or housebound, that sense of belonging can be genuinely valuable.

2. Why the harm outweighs it

Even so, the costs have grown faster than the benefits. Because these apps are engineered to be addictive, users scroll for hours and end up comparing their ordinary lives with the polished highlights of others, which fuels anxiety and low self-esteem, particularly among the young. Just as worryingly, false information now spreads faster than any correction, so people are increasingly misled on everything from health to politics.

In conclusion, although social media connects us in ways that were once impossible, I believe its damage to mental health and public trust makes it, overall, a harmful development — one we would do well to use far more sparingly.