CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

In my opinion, social media has had a largely negative effect on society, and I have several reasons for thinking this way. First and foremost, social media has significantly reduced the quality of face-to-face interactions. People spend hours scrolling through their phones instead of engaging with the people around them. I have seen families sitting at dinner tables where everyone is looking at their screens instead of talking to each other. This is damaging our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships. Additionally, social media platforms create unrealistic expectations about life. People tend to share only their highlights, which makes others feel inadequate by comparison. Studies have linked heavy social media use to increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among young people. I do acknowledge that social media has some benefits, such as connecting people across distances and providing a platform for small businesses. These are genuine advantages. However, I believe the harm to mental health and social skills outweighs these benefits. Until platforms take more responsibility for their impact, I think we need to be much more cautious about how much time we spend on them.