Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
Social media has become deeply integrated into the daily lives of young people, sparking debates about its impact on mental health. While these platforms offer new forms of connection and expression, there is growing concern that they contribute significantly to rising mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, among adolescents. This essay argues that while social media has some positive effects, its negative impact on young people’s mental well-being is undeniable.
One of the primary reasons social media is linked to mental health problems is its role in exacerbating self-esteem issues. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are rife with carefully curated images and unrealistic portrayals of beauty, success, and happiness. The constant exposure to these idealized versions of reality fosters a culture of comparison, where young people often feel inadequate or inferior. This can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction, especially among those who struggle with their self-image. The pressure to live up to these artificial standards can also lead to increased social anxiety, as users seek constant validation in the form of likes, comments, and followers, equating their self-worth with online approval.
Despite these drawbacks, social media also offers valuable opportunities for connection and support. For young people facing mental health struggles, online communities can provide a sense of belonging and a platform for sharing experiences. Many platforms host groups dedicated to mental health awareness, where individuals can access resources, find empathy, and reduce feelings of isolation. Social media has also been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health issues, helping to foster open dialogue and awareness. However, while these positive aspects exist, they cannot fully negate the damage caused by the toxic nature of comparison-driven platforms.
In conclusion, although social media can foster a sense of community and support, its contribution to the rise in mental health issues among young people is substantial. The pervasive culture of comparison, coupled with the pressures of virtual validation, often outweighs the benefits, making social media a significant factor in the mental health challenges facing today’s youth.
List of vocabulary used:
Here’s the list of vocabulary used in the essay with their brief meanings:
- Integrated – Combined or brought together as a whole.
- Sparking – Triggering or initiating.
- Impact – The effect or influence of something.
- Contribute – To play a part in causing or bringing about.
- Rising – Increasing or becoming more significant.
- Adolescents – Young people, typically between childhood and adulthood.
- Well-being – The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Exacerbating – Making something worse or more severe.
- Self-esteem – One’s confidence or value in themselves.
- Rife – Widespread, abundant, or common (often used with negative connotations).
- Curated – Carefully selected or organized.
- Idealized versions of reality – Unrealistic or perfect portrayals of life.
- Fosters – Promotes, encourages, or nurtures.
- Comparison – The act of evaluating similarities and differences.
- Inadequate – Not good enough; lacking in quality or quantity.
- Inferior – Lower in quality or rank.
- Trigger – To cause or initiate something.
- Anxiety – Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease.
- Depression – A state of severe despondency or sadness.
- Body dissatisfaction – Discontent or unhappiness with one’s physical appearance.
- Pressure – The stress or demands exerted on someone to achieve something.
- Social anxiety – Fear or discomfort in social situations.
- Validation – The act of confirming or approving someone’s worth or actions.
- Connection – A relationship or bond between people.
- Support – Assistance, encouragement, or help.
- Belonging – A sense of being accepted or part of a group.
- Isolation – The state of being separated or alone.
- Destigmatizing – Removing negative associations or shame from something.
- Open dialogue – A free and honest conversation or exchange of ideas.
- Awareness – Knowledge or understanding of a topic or issue.
- Toxic – Harmful or poisonous, often used figuratively to describe negative behavior or environments.
- Perverse – Contrary to the accepted or expected standard, often in a harmful way.
- Pervasive – Spreading widely throughout an area or group.
- Outweighs – To be more important or significant than something else.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Names
Learn about the importance of names and their cultural significance.
Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accomodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
Learn about how weather influences daily life and activities.
Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes&Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
Learn about the importance of reading and various reading habits.
Sleep
Explore how sleep impacts physical and mental well-being.
Trees&Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
Discuss the evolving role of newspapers in the digital age.
Texting
Explore the role of text messaging in modern communication.
Memorising
Learn techniques for improving memory and memorization.
Travelling
Discuss the importance and impact of traveling in modern society.
Communication
Explore the modes and significance of communicating well
Letter&Email
Explore the differences and significance of letters vs. emails.
Swimming
Discuss the benefits of swimming for health and fitness.
Snacks
Explore the role of snacks in daily nutrition and lifestyle.
Photography
Discuss photography’s cultural and artistic significance.
Help
Talk about the importance of offering and receiving help.
History
Discuss historical events and their impact on modern society.
Handwriting
Explore the significance of handwriting in education and culture.
Music
Learn about the influence of music on emotions and society.
Colours
Discuss how colours affect perception and mood.
Teachers
Explore the role of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
Being Alone
Talk about the experience and benefits of spending time alone.
Teamwork
Learn the importance of teamwork in professional and social contexts.
Countryside & City
Explore the charm and benefits of living in the countryside.
Social Media
Discuss the impact of social media on society and relationships.
Friends
Explore the importance of friendships in life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Talk about the future of AI and its role in society.
Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Transportation
Explore different modes of transportation in your area.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
Learn about the latest advancements in space exploration.
Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
Learn about the role of technology in everyday life.
Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
Learn about the effects of globalisation on society and economies.
Global Warming
Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming.
Gender Equality
Explore the importance of gender equality in modern society.
Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
Learn about renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment.
Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
Learn about the cultural traditions in your country.
Education System
Discuss the education system in your country and its effectiveness.
Traditional Cuisine
Explore the significance of traditional cuisines in your culture.
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