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:

1. Integrated – Combined or brought together as a whole.
2. Sparking – Triggering or initiating.
3. Impact – The effect or influence of something.
4. Contribute – To play a part in causing or bringing about.
5. Rising – Increasing or becoming more significant.
6. Adolescents – Young people, typically between childhood and adulthood.
7. Well-being – The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
8. Exacerbating – Making something worse or more severe.
9. Self-esteem – One’s confidence or value in themselves.
10. Rife – Widespread, abundant, or common (often used with negative connotations).
11. Curated – Carefully selected or organized.
12. Idealized versions of reality – Unrealistic or perfect portrayals of life.
13. Fosters – Promotes, encourages, or nurtures.
14. Comparison – The act of evaluating similarities and differences.
15. Inadequate – Not good enough; lacking in quality or quantity.
16. Inferior – Lower in quality or rank.
17. Trigger – To cause or initiate something.
18. Anxiety – Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease.
19. Depression – A state of severe despondency or sadness.
20. Body dissatisfaction – Discontent or unhappiness with one’s physical appearance.
21. Pressure – The stress or demands exerted on someone to achieve something.
22. Social anxiety – Fear or discomfort in social situations.
23. Validation – The act of confirming or approving someone’s worth or actions.
24. Connection – A relationship or bond between people.
25. Support – Assistance, encouragement, or help.
26. Belonging – A sense of being accepted or part of a group.
27. Isolation – The state of being separated or alone.
28. Destigmatizing – Removing negative associations or shame from something.
29. Open dialogue – A free and honest conversation or exchange of ideas.
30. Awareness – Knowledge or understanding of a topic or issue.
31. Toxic – Harmful or poisonous, often used figuratively to describe negative behavior or environments.
32. Perverse – Contrary to the accepted or expected standard, often in a harmful way.
33. Pervasive – Spreading widely throughout an area or group.
34. Outweighs – To be more important or significant than something else.

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IELTS Speaking Task Topics

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Names

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Study / Job

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Accomodation

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Weather

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Time

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Television

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Museum

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Holidays

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Films

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Leisure Time

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Sport

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Vegetables and Fruits

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Maths

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Sky

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Weekend

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Reading

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Sleep

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Newspaper

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Texting

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Communication

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Swimming

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Snacks

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Photography

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Help

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History

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Handwriting

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Music

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Colours

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Teachers

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Being Alone

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Teamwork

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Countryside & City

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Social Media

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Friends

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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Climate Change

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Transportation

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Sustainable Transportation

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Space Exploration

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Shopping

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Modern Technology

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Technology

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Globalisation

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Global Warming

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Gender Equality

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Health and Fitness

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Renewable Energy

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Education System

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Traditional Cuisine

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